The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) on Wednesday, March 18, denounced claims that party leader Rigathi Gachagua’s aide, the late Maureen Gathigia Kinyua, was murdered.
In a statement addressed to the public, DCP maintained that Kinyua died in a road accident and was not murdered.
“Popular blogger and social media personality Maureen Gathigia Kinyua tragically passed away on May 24, 2019, in a road traffic accident near Sagana Catholic Church in Mathira, Nyeri County. Investigations into the incident classified it as a hit-and-run, and there is no official evidence linking her death to murder or foul play,” the statement read in part.
The party took a swipe at President William Ruto for claiming that Gachagua was allegedly involved in Kinyua’s death.
DCP termed the claims as baseless and could potentially cause distress to the family of the deceased.
“Despite these facts, misinformation has circulated online suggesting that Maureen’s death was a murder. Such claims are unverified and baseless, and they risk causing unnecessary distress to her family, friends, and supporters.
“Media experts and civil society leaders emphasise that public figures, including President William Ruto, should exercise caution and avoid making statements based on unverified claims,” the statement continued.
The political outfit further urged media outlets to accurately report the news and uphold journalistic integrity as a sign of respect to the family.
The driver involved in the incident, according to the statement, was subsequently charged in Karatina Court with causing death by dangerous driving, and later released on a Ksh150,000 bond while awaiting further legal proceedings; thus is no possible way Gachagua could be linked with the death of the blogger.
Questions over the cause of the death of the popular blogger have resurfaced online, sparking confusion after remarks made on March 17, where President William Ruto accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of having a hand in the death. Ruto was speaking during a development tour in Busia County.
The public spat between the United Opposition and the Kenya Kwanza Administration, marked by fierce exchanges characterized by name-calling and personal attacks.
At the time of the blogger’s death, Ruto, who was then the Deputy President, personally called Maureen’s mother to offer condolences, describing her as a “keen, dedicated and thorough” worker for the Jubilee fraternity.
