Why Gachagua condoled with Naivasha crash family via phone call

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Tuesday made a telephone call by loudspeaker to condole with a family that lost six members in a tragic road crash along the Naivasha–Mai Mahiu road.

Gachagua, who also pledged to donate Sh200,000 to support the bereaved family, said he was unable to attend the funeral in person due to fears of being attacked by hired goons.

“I understand the pain the family is going through, especially with the burden of school fees for the children left behind. I will send Jane Kihara with Sh200,000 to assist,” Gachagua said.

Speaking to mourners via Naivasha MP Jane Kihara’s phone during the funeral service, Gachagua reiterated his commitment to standing up for Kenyans, despite what he termed as growing intimidation.

“I would have wanted to attend the funeral, but as you know, there are people making it difficult for us to move around. We leave everything to God,” he said in Kiswahili before switching to Kikuyu.

“We have a big problem—goons are being sent to attack us even in churches.”

A joint funeral service for the six family members was held on April 8, following the fatal crash that claimed seven lives.

The bodies were moved from the Naivasha Hospital Mortuary on Tuesday for a mass in the Ebul Bul area of Naivasha, Nakuru County, before being laid to rest.

Several senior government officials, including MPs John Kiragu (Limuru), Martha Wangari (Gilgil), Jane Kihara (Naivasha), and Nakuru Woman Representative Liza Chelule, attended the service.

The devastating accident occurred near High Peak along the Mai Mahiu–Naivasha road, as the family was returning from a relative's funeral.

Among the victims were three brothers, three children belonging to one of the brothers, and the son of their household worker.

The government had pledged full support, covering all mortuary and funeral expenses, as the family shared the emotional and financial toll of laying their loved ones to rest.