Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja on Wednesday, vowed to deal decisively with individuals he says are hired by politicians to disrupt public events, following recent incidents in Kirinyaga and Nairobi counties.
Speaking to journalists during the commissioning of a new police vehicle at Endarasha Police Station in Nyeri County, IG Kanja condemned the violence and vowed that all those involved – regardless of their political affiliation – would be brought to book.
The stern warning came on Wednesday after supporters of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his political rival, Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi, clashed during the funeral of choir leader Muchiru Mumbuchi in Muragara village, Ndia Constituency.
The funeral was marred by chaos, forcing mourners to scatter and abruptly halting the proceedings.
“In Kirinyaga, we are going to arrest all those who were involved and take them before a court of law,” he said. “All criminals will have their day in court.”
“We will not allow thuggery. Any person who breaks the law, whether a goon or otherwise, will face the full force of the law.”
His comments come in the wake of another politically charged incident that took place on Sunday at PCEA Mwiki Church in Kasarani, Nairobi.
Mr Gachagua, who was attending a church service, was forced to take refuge after a group of armed youths stormed the church, causing panic among the congregation.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the attackers arrived on motorcycles and were allegedly hired to disrupt the service.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has since launched an investigation into the matter, which IG Kanja said was at an advanced stage.
In the Kirinyaga case, two rival groups, one allied to Mr Gachagua and the other to Mr Wamumbi, his Mathira Constituency MP, pushed and punched each other, disrupting the funeral service.
All hell broke loose when Mr Wamumbi was given the opportunity to address the mourners and convey his message of condolence to the bereaved family.
The MP kicked the hornet's nest when he started attacking Mr Gachagua, claiming that he did not help the deceased when she was alive, despite her political support for him.
The deceased was instrumental in the campaigns of Nyeri's first governor, the late Nderitu Gachagua, the former DP's elder brother.
The former DP and his wife Dorcas were expected to attend the ceremony but failed to show up amid growing fears that hired thugs would disrupt the event.
MP Wamumbi accused Mr Gachagua of abusing and later abandoning the deceased who had campaigned for him, adding that the people of Mathira no longer supported the former DP.
“If someone worked for you, you should not abandon her. The deceased campaigned for Gachagua, but he abandoned her when she needed help. Gachagua didn’t even support the children of the deceased with jobs. The deceased was living in a house without electricity,” he said.
Mr Wamumbi said it was only President William Ruto who gave out Sh2 million for funeral arrangements, while Mr Gachagua stayed away.
“If Gachagua has not helped the deceased who stood with him politically, who else can he help?” asked Mr Wamumbi.
At this point, angry supporters of Mr Gachagua--led by Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murango, Woman Representative Njeri Maina and Baragwi MCA David Mathenge--confronted MP Wamumbi, accusing him of disrespecting the former DP.
Gachagua's supporters shouted down the MP, forcing him to cut short his speech.
Some mourners lost their possessions and shoes during the clash, which lasted for about an hour.
It took the intervention of Catholic priest, Father Paul Muiga, who was presiding over the service, to restore calm.
Kirinyaga leaders lashed out at Wamumbi, accusing him of being responsible for the chaos.
“The service was peaceful, but Wamumbi messed up everything when he started insulting Gachagua. Mourners were unhappy with Wamumbi’s remarks, and that’s why they rose up in protest,” said Mr Murango.
“This is Kirinyaga, and we don’t entertain leaders who have no respect for Gachagua,” said Ms Maina.
Mr Mathenge said all the leaders had agreed not to talk politics during the service, but Mr Wamumbi violated the agreement.
However, Mr Wamumbi denied that he was the one who started the fracas.
“It is Gachagua who sent his people to come and try to disrupt the funeral,” said Mr Wamumbi.
Earlier, Mr Wamumbi had refused to sit down even after Father Muiga pleaded with him, saying he would not be intimidated by threats from Gachagua’s supporters.
“Father, let me conclude my remarks. I’m from Mathira, and those shouting can’t take me anywhere,” said Mr Wamumbi.
Surprisingly, there were no police officers on scene to tame the warring groups.
By George Munene, Mercy Mwende and Stephen Munyiri
