This archive report was first published on 6 November 2019.
On Monday, 4 November 2019, a Nyeri Law court heard testimony from Simon Waruru, the nephew of the late Governor Wahome Gakuru, regarding the governor's life before his death.
According to Waruru, the governor had been living in fear of his life, citing paranoia and suspicion of his surroundings. He insisted that no one should be let inside his house without prior consent obtained from him.
Waruru also testified that the governor had been under pressure from expectations of people who had supported his campaigns through financial incentives. He mentioned that Kinyua Kimuri, one of Gakuru's supporters, had donated money, vehicles, and personnel to boost the governor's campaigns.
However, after the election victory, Kimuri declined a position in the County Executive Committee, preferring to be a political adviser to the governor. This decision allegedly made the governor feel frustrated, as he had failed to appoint some of his close supporters.
Waruru further revealed that the late Governor avoided eating out for fear of being poisoned by people he had mentioned before as 'people not afraid of putting things in his food.' He preferred eating mandazi and tea because it would take less preparation time.
The governor also avoided drinking tea made in the office and only trusted food prepared by his chef, Victor Gakuru. Waruru testified that the late Governor was uncomfortable being chauffeured by Samuel Kinyanjui, referring to him as a 'mortuary driver.'
Waruru claimed that a detective who led the probe into the governor's death had informed him that the governor could have been killed. He mentioned that detective Nyuguto had personally mentioned to him that the governor was assassinated.
Waruru also testified that the governor had suspected mismanagement of funds and had ordered a special audit of the former regime under Governor Samuel Wamathai. However, he faced objections from various people, including Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua.
A traffic officer also testified, stating that the Governor's vehicle had sustained a huge impact due to high-speed driving. The inquest is scheduled for January 27 and 28 next year.
