A tense scene unfolded during a funeral in Mathira, Nyeri County on Wednesday after political allies of President William Ruto and those of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua clashed publicly, forcing police officers to step in and restore order.
The heated exchange happened at a burial ceremony that had drawn a large crowd of mourners.
The conflict began when Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi stood up to speak and sharply criticized Gachagua.
He accused the former Deputy President of allegedly taking advantage of the late woman—who was a chairlady of the Mathira women’s group—and later abandoning her.
Wamumbi openly declared that the people of Mathira no longer supported Gachagua, adding that the late woman had been betrayed by him.
“As people from Mathira, we do not back Rigathi Gachagua anymore. He used this woman and then walked away when she needed him the most.
That is the plain truth, and Gachagua needs to hear it loud and clear,” Wamumbi stated emotionally.
His remarks immediately caused an uproar among the mourners. A section of the crowd began shouting in protest while others cheered in support, creating a chaotic atmosphere.
The commotion became so intense that Wamumbi was forced to cut short his speech and sit down.
Kirinyaga Senator James Murango, who appeared visibly angered by the MP’s statements, stood up and stormed toward Wamumbi in protest.
However, plainclothes police officers quickly intervened and stopped Murango from reaching him. Tension remained high as supporters of MP Wamumbi formed a protective ring around him, while Murango—still fuming—broke into traditional songs in the local dialect as a form of protest.
The unexpected drama shocked many mourners, who began shouting at the politicians, urging them to stop bringing political feuds to such solemn occasions.
Many in attendance felt that the funeral should have remained a peaceful farewell and not a platform for political fights.
Wamumbi later accused Gachagua of orchestrating the chaos by sending his allies and hired troublemakers to the event.
He named Senator James Murango and Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina as among those allegedly sent to disrupt the burial.
“This woman was misused by Gachagua and later dumped. Now he sends his goons along with the likes of Njeri Maina and Senator Murango to come and cause chaos at this funeral.
Let me be clear—I will not be threatened, and I cannot be intimidated,” Wamumbi declared boldly.
The incident highlighted the deepening political cracks between supporters of President Ruto and those still aligned with Rigathi Gachagua, raising fresh questions about unity within the Kenya Kwanza camp.
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