Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi/ SCREENGRABTensions ran high at Muragara Primary School in Ndia, Kirinyaga County, after Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi made remarks perceived as critical of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, leading to heckling and unrest.
The incident occurred during the burial of Ann Wanjiru Mumbuchi on Wednesday, where the MP's comments triggered a reaction from mourners.
In a video seen by the Star, Wamumbi urged the mourners not to support Gachagua’s political ambitions.
“Sisi kama watu wa Mathira hatuungi Rigathi Gachagua mkono,” he said.
This loosely translates to (As Mathira residents, we don't support Gachagua).
A cleric attempted to cut short the speech by reaching for the microphone, but Wamumbi resisted, saying, “Acha nimalize Father. I am from Mathira, and no one will take me anywhere.”
This exchange escalated into a confrontation between some attendees and the MP’s security, forcing him to end his speech abruptly.
Mourners seated under tents voiced their displeasure, while the visibly angered MP expressed frustration at the turn of events.
In recent weeks, other leaders allied to President William Ruto, including Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah and Kiambu Woman Representative Ann Wamuratha, have also faced heckling during the President’s tour of the Mount Kenya region, where attempts to promote the government’s agenda were met with resistance.
It all started when the Ichung'wah was ushered to speak immediately after ICT CS William Kabogo had addressed the crowd.
As he took his position at the top of his vehicle, the crowd turned hostile to Ichung'wah as he attempted to sell the government agenda.
Amidst the chants from the crowd, the MP was heard telling off the hecklers, saying, “no one sells me fear" in Kikuyu dialect. The irate rally attendees, however, could not hear of it.
Despite his efforts to calm the situation down, the rally attendees refused to listen to his speech, making it impossible for him to continue.
