Othaya, Nyeri County – Mathira Member of Parliament Eric Wamumbi has denied any involvement in the chaos that disrupted a church service at Wairima ACK Church in Othaya on Sunday, where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was in attendance.
In a statement issued on Monday, Wamumbi dismissed claims that police officers linked to his family were part of a plot to target Gachagua and have him teargassed inside the church.
Lawful Deployment of Security
Wamumbi clarified that the officers in question are attached to his wife, Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina, and are legitimately 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.
Peaceful Political Activities
The MP rejected allegations that he mobilised violence or used mobs to confront Gachagua, insisting that he conducts his political activities peacefully.
“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.
He added that Gachagua freely holds meetings in the area without interference, even when he criticizes local leaders.
“When Gachagua comes to this town, nobody asks him. He does his meetings in peace, he insults me, and thereafter leaves in peace.”
Statement to DCI
Following the Sunday incident, Wamumbi announced that he would record a statement with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Tuesday at 11 a.m., submitting documents he claims support his position.
“Because I have nothing to hide, I will proceed to record a formal statement with the police 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, urging him to record a statement rather than only addressing the media.
Questions Over Gachagua’s Security
Wamumbi further raised concerns about Gachagua’s security detail, alleging that the former deputy president was moving with unauthorized 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.
Politicisation of Churches
The MP accused Gachagua of politicising churches and using the pulpit to attack other leaders, calling on religious institutions to resist 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,” Wamumbi 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.”
Background
Wamumbi’s remarks come after Gachagua alleged that police officers involved in the church chaos had gathered at the MP’s home earlier in the day before being directed to disrupt the service—claims Wamumbi has firmly denied.
Conclusion
The fallout from the Wairima ACK Church incident has intensified political tensions in Nyeri, with both sides trading accusations. As investigations proceed, attention now turns to the DCI, which is expected to shed light on the events that disrupted worship and sparked controversy.
