Police respond to reported arrest of Gachagua’s ally

By Peter Ochieng

The National Police Service (NPS) has refuted claims of having a hand in the reported arrest of one of former Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua’s allies.

Former Limuru Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Mungai Mwathi was reportedly arrested on Thursday, after a fracas ensued during the burial of Erastus Nduati, in Limuru, Kiambu County.

Gachagua, who was among leaders in attendance, was forced to flee after goons invaded the ceremony, bringing down the tents as mourners took to their heels.

The former DP’s car was pelted with stones. Mwathi was reportedly arrested during the chaos, forcing Gachagua’s allies led by Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang'wa to pitch camp at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters in Nairobi, to demand for his release.

However, they left disappointed as no information was forthcoming from the police.

NPS in a Friday statement signed by Spokesperson, Dr. Resilla Onyango said they did not arrest the former legislature.

“Further, 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,” she said.

The incident, the Spokesperson noted, happened at the time former Limuru Member of Parliament was addressing mourners at Bibirioni Boys High School, Limuru, when unknown individuals started hurling objects and chairs, forcing mourners to scamper for safety.

“Consequently, property of unknown number and value were damaged, but so far, we have received a report from only one complainant,” she added.

She indicated that 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.'

“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.”

Gachagua on Thursday said the goons were after his life, accusing the State of having a hand in what transpired in Limuru.