Gachagua Targeted by Angry Locals as Kiambu Burial Turns Violent

Chaos erupted during a burial ceremony in Ngarariga, Limuru, Kiambu County, which was attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Gachagua was flanked by his political allies including Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang'wa. During the ceremony, as Gachagua and several political allies were seated in a designated tent for senior attendees, unarmed local residents unexpectedly began violently shaking the structure. Eyewitness footage shows panicked politicians hastily evacuating the tent amidst the mounting tension. The situation rapidly deteriorated, resulting in property damage and physical confrontations between rival political factions.

The most visible sign of the unrest is the destruction of Gachagua's black Toyota Land Cruiser with its rear window shattered. Photographs from the scene depict scattered plastic chairs and evidence of physical altercations, with several individuals sustaining critical injuries. Witnesses say that the scene was disorderly, with mourners scrambling to escape. Reports suggest that paid goons were responsible for the disturbance. Gachagua and his office have not yet released any official statement regarding the matter.

While the reason for the disturbance remains unclear, the incident occurs against a backdrop of increasing political friction. The disruption follows recent public statements by Gachagua criticizing President William Ruto's leadership during a church service at the AIPCA. Gachagua publicly expressed frustration over the President's handling of the Adani Group deals, claiming he had previously warned about potential flaws that were subsequently ignored.

His remarks highlighted what he perceives as a culture of administrative impunity, noting that Cabinet Secretaries would often rely on him to communicate their reservations to the President, yet his counsel was consistently disregarded.

"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.