Eric Wamumbi, the Member of Parliament for Mathira, has been a prominent figure in Kenyan politics, particularly within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
In May 2022, he was selected by UDA to contest for the Mathira parliamentary seat, succeeding Rigathi Gachagua, who had been chosen as Deputy President William Ruto’s running mate in the presidential election.
Deputy President Ruto praised Wamumbi for his commitment to UDA and his firm leadership, highlighting his refusal to accept bribes during the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) debate in Nyeri County.
However, Wamumbi’s political journey has not been without controversy. In July 2024, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accused Wamumbi of undermining his efforts to combat illicit brews in the region. This accusation suggests a rift between the two leaders, who were once allies.
Despite these tensions, Wamumbi has continued to assert his political influence. In January 2025, he publicly criticized Deputy President Gachagua, stating that the people of Nyeri would not tolerate any insults directed at President Ruto.
This statement underscores the ongoing political dynamics and rivalries within the UDA party.
These events highlight the complex and evolving nature of Kenyan politics, where alliances can shift rapidly, and public support can be both a source of strength and a point of contention.
The interactions between leaders like Wamumbi and Gachagua reflect the broader challenges and opportunities within the political landscape.
Mathura MP Eric Wamumbi was begging the mobilized crowd to chant "Ruto, Ruto, Ruto," but no one responded. Aki watu wa Nyeri hawana huruma! 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/qvzF0wfGoK
— Cornelius K. Ronoh (@itskipronoh) January 31, 2025
