Kenya: Gachagua Accuses State of Shielding Suspects in Killing of Mt Elgon MP Hopeful

What the report says

Former Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused state agencies of protecting suspects linked to the killing of Nathan Wasama, a former councillor and Mt Elgon parliamentary hopeful. Speaking in Narok East Constituency at Nairakia-Enkare town, he said police were warned repeatedly that Wasama’s life was in danger but did not act before the attack.

According to the Capital FM report distributed by AllAfrica, Gachagua alleged that Wasama had filed multiple complaints with police and that the person he blamed for the threats remained free. He also claimed senior officials were involved in a cover-up, including by assigning police protection to the suspected killer instead of arresting him. Those allegations had not been independently verified, and no public response from Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen or the Directorate of Criminal Investigations was reported at the time.

The article says Wasama was shot at his home in Tuikut, Cheptais, Bungoma County, on Thursday night and later died from his injuries. Police had not issued a formal account or announced arrests by publication time. The killing has raised concern in Mt Elgon, where Wasama had previously survived an apparent attack in 2024 and had planned to run in the 2027 general election.

Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa called for a prompt and impartial investigation, while Gachagua said he would visit Mt Elgon to mobilize residents to demand justice. More broadly, the case has intensified political scrutiny over security, policing and accountability in western Kenya.