The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has commenced investigations into the attack of former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua and his allies during a funeral service on Thursday, November 28, 2024, in Limuru.
A statement by the National Police Service stated that the investigators from DCI Limuru are conducting investigations to establish the cause of the violence meted out to the mourners and bring the perpetrators to book.
“DCI Limuru has commenced investigations into the matter to establish the cause of the fracas and bring to book, the perpetrators behind this insensitive act. The Officers are currently on the ground recording statements from family members of the deceased,” the National Police Service said.
The police further urged any member of the public who have information that may aid in the arrest of the suspects behind the Limuru attack to report to the nearby police station.
“We call upon anybody with information that may aid in the arrest of the suspects that invaded the burial to report to the nearest police station, even as we reaffirm our commitment to serve and protect all Kenyans,” police urged.
Police on Mwathi arrest
In addition, the police refuted claims that they arrested former Limuru Member of Parliament Peter Mungai Mwathi who was speaking when the fracas erupted, noting that he is not a person of interest.
“We wish to clarify that the National Police Service did not arrest Hon. Peter Mwathi, and he is not a person of interest to the Police. The incident happened at the time former Limuru Member of Parliament, Hon. Peter Mungai Mwathi was addressing mourners at Bibirioni Boys High School, Limuru, when unknown individuals started hurling objects and chairs, forcing mourners to scamper for safety,” police clarified.
INVESTIGATIONS UPDATE: VIOLENT DISRUPTION OF A FUNERAL EVENT IN LIMURU AND WHEREABOUTS OF HON. PETER MWATHI pic.twitter.com/aKP4Kv3MT3
— National Police Service-Kenya (@NPSOfficial_KE) November 29, 2024
Gachagua on Limuru attack
Gachagua while condemning the attack on mourners, including himself and his allies during a funeral service in Limuru, attributed the incident to the withdrawal of his government security.
“As Kenyans are well aware, earlier this week the government withdrew the final aspects of my security after the impeachment process we are contesting. Although we did not raise issue with this decision, it now appears it was intended to leave me vulnerable to such an attack,” he said.
He further recounted the violence and the moment the attackers turned their attention to him.
“Today I was at a funeral service in Limuru for a young man called Erastus Nduati. While we were preparing to lay the young man to rest goons attacked us and the other mourners who were present, including children. The gangsters were armed with stones, machetes, iron bars and sticks,”
“They descended randomly on mourners present and attacked them using the weapons they had, as well as using the plastic seats available. A specific group followed me as I went to my car, which they proceeded to attack with stones and iron bars. We literally drove out of the venue under a hail of rocks!”Gachagua narrated.
