Kenya : What was meant to be a solemn farewell turned into an explosive showdown after mourners witnessed a dramatic clash between political factions during a burial ceremony in Kirinyaga County.
On Wednesday, April 9, emotions erupted when Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi launched a scathing attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua while speaking at the funeral of Anne Wanjiru—a respected choir leader closely associated with Gachagua.
In a bold and confrontational tone, Wamumbi accused Gachagua of completely abandoning the deceased, claiming the former second-in-command had not offered a shred of support to Wanjiru or her grieving family.
“Gachagua has done NOTHING for her. If he did, let him stand here and prove it!” Wamumbi declared, his voice cutting through the hushed crowd.
But the moment turned volatile. Furious chants erupted from a rowdy group of youth, believed to be pro-Gachagua loyalists. They surged toward the podium, forcing Wamumbi to abruptly end his speech and retreat in visible frustration.
Moments later, Wamumbi made a startling allegation, suggesting the ambush was orchestrated by Gachagua himself—accusing him of sending goons to sabotage the burial and intimidate him publicly.
“He sent those people to this funeral to cause chaos. He did nothing for this woman or her children, and now he’s trying to silence me. I will not be bullied!”. he said.
But Gachagua’s allies weren’t about to let that slide. Kirinyaga Senator James Murango swiftly fired back, dismissing Wamumbi’s claims as political theatrics and shifting the blame.
“This funeral was peaceful until Wamumbi lit the match. He’s the one who stirred the hornet’s nest. People are simply fed up with him.” he said.
What should have been a moment of unity and mourning quickly devolved into a political spectacle, leaving mourners stunned and exposing deep divisions within the local political scene.
With tempers flaring and accusations flying, this unexpected drama may only be the beginning of a much larger political war brewing beneath Mathira’s quiet hills.
