Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused Mt Elgon MP Fred Chesebe Kapondi of being linked to the killing of parliamentary aspirant Nathan Masai Wasama. Wasama, aged 61 and a former councillor, was shot dead at his home in Cheptais, Bungoma County, on August 6 while preparing to contest the Mt Elgon parliamentary seat in the 2027 elections.
Speaking in Kajiado on August 12, Gachagua claimed that security officials, including Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Director Mohamed Amin, initially sought to shield the suspect. He alleged that police were guarding the alleged killer until public pressure mounted following his statements.
Gachagua further stated that authorities raided Kapondi’s residence, discovering 18 firearms, over 3,000 rounds of ammunition, and eight youths. He questioned how government-owned weapons bought with taxpayers’ money ended up in the MP’s possession and accused him of using them to harm Kenyans.
Key points from Gachagua’s allegations:
- Security officials tried to cover up the killing initially.
- Police guarded the suspect until public pressure forced action.
- Raid on Kapondi’s home uncovered 18 guns and more than 3,000 bullets.
- Questions raised about government firearms being used unlawfully.
- Calls for Kapondi’s arrest and a public explanation from CS Murkomen.
Meanwhile, investigations into Wasama’s murder continue with five suspects in custody. The DCI arrested Oscar Koech Sakong soon after the killing, followed by Wycliffe Chesubei Ngeiwa and Geoffrey Makwere Masai during a raid in Marigo Village. Two additional suspects, Robert Kimutai Psisei and Brian Chongin Kaos, surrendered to police on August 12.
No evidence has been publicly presented to support Gachagua’s claims, and the investigation remains ongoing.
