Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi denies role in chaos at church service

Mathira Member of Parliament Eric Wamumbi has denied any involvement in the chaos that disrupted a church service at Wairima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, on Sunday.

In a statement on Monday, the MP maintained that police officers linked to his family were lawfully deployed and not part of any plot to target the opposition leader and have him teargassed in church as Gachagua had claimed.

Wamumbi revealed that the police officers are attached to his wife, Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina, legitimately and are assigned by the National Police Service (NPS).

“The police officers attached to my wife, the duly elected Murang’a Woman Rep, are lawfully deployed officers of the NPS. Attempts to criminalise lawfully deployed security are not just dishonest, they are dangerous,” Wamumbi said.

The MP dismissed claims that he mobilised violence or used mobs to confront Gachagua, saying he conducts his political activities peacefully and does not personalise the authority of the police.

“I don’t hide behind mobs. When I want to speak, I speak. When I want to do meetings in this constituency or town, I do them peacefully,” he said.

“When Gachagua comes to this town, nobody asks him. He does his meetings in peace, he insults me, and thereafter leaves in peace.”

Following the Sunday incident, Wamumbi said he would record a statement with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Tuesday and submit documents he claims support his position.

“Because I have nothing to hide, I will proceed to record a formal statement with the police on Tuesday at 11 am and hand over all relevant documents. I expect investigations to be professional, independent and fearless,” he said.

He also challenged Gachagua to do the same, saying, "I will be going to the DCI tomorrow to record a statement and I also welcome Gachagua to do a statement. Don’t do a media briefing alone,” Wamumbi said.

The MP further raised questions over Gachagua’s security detail, alleging the former deputy president was moving with unauthorised police vehicles and sirens.

“Why is Gachagua moving around with fake police vehicles with fake sirens? I have all those documents here and I am going to record a statement,” he said.

The lawmaker also accused Gachagua of politicising churches and using the pulpit to attack other leaders, calling on religious institutions to resist political intimidation.

“I am a respecter of faith and churches. Every time I go to church, I am very clear and do not do politics in churches,” he said.

“Gachagua goes to churches to insult us because he has nothing else to offer. I am calling upon the church; stand firm and don’t be intimidated. Don’t allow him to use the altar to insult other leaders,” Wamumbi added.

His remarks come after Gachagua claimed that police officers involved in the church chaos had allegedly gathered at Wamumbi’s home earlier in the day before being directed to disrupt the service—claims the MP has firmly denied.