In the dark underbelly of Nairobi’s criminal world, one name that stands out is Tomaso Gagula. Born into privilege and surrounded by political connections, Tomaso’s descent into a life of crime remains a puzzling enigma. This is the story of a man who had everything going for him, yet chose a path filled with danger and violence.
Tomaso Gagula, hailing from a prominent family with ties to politics, seemed destined for a different life. His maternal grandfather, Clement Lubembe, served as both an MP and an Assistant Minister, and his family had connections that reached the highest echelons of power, including former Attorney General Githu Muigai.
However, Tomaso’s life took a dark turn. He became associated with the notorious Gaza Boys, a gang that terrorized Nairobi in the past. His criminal activities eventually caught up with him, and on the fateful night of August 14, 2014, he was gunned down in the Buruburu area. This marked the tragic end of a young man who seemed to have everything going for him.
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Tomaso’s downfall is said to have started with the murder of a police officer in Lang’ata. This incident painted a target on his back, with law enforcement officers determined to bring him to justice. Over a short period, several members of his crew met their demise, and he, too, faced the wrath of the law.
One particular incident involved an ambush near Buruburu, where a prospective buyer lured Tomaso and his crew into a trap. In a hail of bullets, lives were lost, and Tomaso was left gravely injured. The police manipulated him into making calls to his next of kin, only to betray him by opening fire.
Tomaso’s downfall is said to have started with the murder of a police officer in Lang’ata. This incident painted a target on his back, with law enforcement officers determined to bring him to justice. Over a short period, several members of his crew met their demise, and he, too, faced the wrath of the law.
One particular incident involved an ambush near Buruburu, where a prospective buyer lured Tomaso and his crew into a trap. In a hail of bullets, lives were lost, and Tomaso was left gravely injured. The police manipulated him into making calls to his next of kin, only to betray him by opening fire.
The funeral of Tomaso Gagula was a spectacle like no other. Eastlands gangs united to pay their respects, and chaos ensued as jewelry, rolls of weed, bottles of alcohol, knives, and even guns were tossed into his grave. His own father was unable to prevent the unconventional burial, as by disowning him, he had lost all rights to him.
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Tomaso was known as one of the touts of Telabang, the most prominent nganya (matatu crew) of Umoja/Kayole at the time. His life was marked by confrontations, theft, and a web of grievances within Nairobi’s underworld. His wanted lists against those he believed had wronged him remained unexecuted at the time of his death.
Despite his tumultuous life, Tomaso’s mother continued to defend him, paying those who accused him of theft. The police’s relentless pursuit of Tomaso was driven by their determination to bring him to justice.
Tomaso Gagula’s story is a complex narrative of a young man who strayed from a life of privilege into the criminal underworld. His life and death remain shrouded in mystery, leaving us with more questions than answers about the choices he made and the world he inhabited.
In the aftermath of Tomaso’s demise, the Gaza Boys gang fragmented, making way for new players, including the enigmatic Mwani and his infamous partner, dubbed “Kenya’s prettiest gangster.”
The story and images above was compiled from tweets/threads of one steenyamu and eduzmi on X. All credits to them.