Joseph Isangura
Chaos erupted in Kiambu County, Kenya, during a funeral service on November 28, 2024, where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was allegedly targeted in an attack.
The incident escalates political tensions in the country as it approaches the 2027 general elections.
According to Gachagua, his convoy was ambushed, and unknown individuals hurled stones, one of which shattered the rear window of his vehicle. Several mourners sustained injuries in the unrest. “This was a deliberate attempt on my life orchestrated by elements within the government,” Gachagua claimed in a statement. He expressed relief at escaping unharmed despite the attack.
The funeral disruption highlights ongoing tensions following Gachagua’s impeachment and replacement by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as Deputy President. The move, supported by a parliamentary majority earlier this year, has left the political landscape in Mount Kenya polarized.
Reports suggest that rival factions within President William Ruto’s ruling coalition, as well as opposition forces aligned with former President Uhuru Kenyatta, have capitalized on Gachagua’s waning support in his home region. Analysts argue that his perceived failure to address key economic grievances, such as reforms in the coffee and tea sectors, has weakened his standing among constituents
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has been drawn into the matter. Officials have reportedly sought clarification from Gachagua regarding claims of previous assassination attempts against him, including allegations of food poisoning at public events
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Political commentators warn that such incidents could deepen divisions within Kenya Kwanza, the ruling coalition, and heighten regional instability. The funeral clash also underscores the ongoing influence of former President Kenyatta, whose alliances and support base continue to challenge the authority of Ruto’s government in Mount Kenya
No arrests have been made, and investigations are ongoing. This latest episode reinforces the volatile mix of political rivalries and personal security concerns among Kenya’s leadership, with repercussions likely to unfold in the lead-up to the next election.
