Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was on Thursday, November 28, 2024, forced to flee after chaos rocked a burial event he had attended in Limuru, Kiambu county.
What began as a solemn occasion quickly spiraled into chaos as a rowdy crowd disrupted the event when they started shaking a tent Gachagua was seated alongside his allies who included Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang’wa.
Those inside the tent were prompted to rush out in fear as they scampered for safety.
Gachagua, alongside Senator Thang’wa and other dignitaries, were hurriedly evacuated by their security personnel, boarded their vehicles and fled the scene.
Vehicles destroyed
A video seen by K24 Digital shows several vehicles used by the political leaders present at the burial event, being pelted with stones and chairs as they made their dramatic exit from the scene.
Gachagua’s car was among the vehicles that were destroyed during the incident.
Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia has since confirmed the incident, saying that it had been orchestrated by well coordinated goons in a most unfortunate turn of events.
“While in the company of Gachagua, we have been attacked by well co-ordinated goons in a most unfortunate turn of events. It’s shocking that those against Gachagua have now resulted to use of violence and goonism. Is this why all his security was withdrawn? I want to call on all those hellbent to cause violence to desist as this is taking our country the wrong direction,” he said.
The burial event attendants can also be seen scampering for safety as the rivalling factions engaged in heated wrangles.
The wrangles led to the destruction of property of unknown value, as several plastic chairs that had been turned into weapons and defense objects were broken.
Several plastic chairs were scattered on the ground after the dramatic incident.
Gachagua escapes unhurt
While Gachagua escaped unharmed, the chaos left several attendees nursing injuries.
The motive behind the sudden eruption of violence is still unclear, but sources suggest simmering political tensions may have played a role.
The former second in command has been hitting out at the government during his various engagements, and has been also complaining about his security.
Despite being in government during his time as the DP, Gachagua has since distanced himself from the President William Ruto’s administration’s unpopular policies.
Last week, Gachagua distanced himself from the government’s deals with the Adani Group, stating that he had advised the Head of State against the deals.
“I told the president this Adani deal was plagued with flaws and the people did not want it, and he despised me for it. And it was put out to look like I was opposing government projects,” Gachagua said during a church service at the AIPCA last Sunday.
Gachagua has also raised concerns over what he described as a campaign of intimidation, harassment, and surveillance orchestrated by state agents under President Ruto’s administration.
Gachagua who was impeached in October 2024, claimed that unmarked cars, suspected to be used by security agents, have been stationed outside his Nairobi residence, tracking his movements and monitoring his visitors.
The former deputy president claims this surveillance extends beyond the city, with agents following him even to his rural home in Nyeri.
“Security agents in unmarked cars have been following me wherever I go. They are parking at the entrance of my Nairobi residence, taking note of all my visitors, and they trail me whenever I leave the house, even to my rural home in Nyeri,” Gachagua stated.
