A standoff between Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi and a priest during the burial of Ann Wanjiru at Muragara Primary School in India, Kirinyaga County, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, left mourners in shock, plunging an already chaotic event into even deeper confusion.
The scuffle involving the outspoken MP began after he was handed the microphone to speak, before launching a fiery attack on Gachagua’s camp, prompting the priest to intervene and attempt to take the mic from him.
However, instead of stepping down as the priest demanded, Wamumbi pushed through and swerved to prevent the priest from taking the microphone, insisting that he needed to be allowed to speak.
The priest did not appear ready to back down and tried to struggle with him before retreating — as the MP showed no sign of giving in.
Throughout the moment, their scuffle caused tensions to flare at the ceremony, with mourners heard shouting while others stood from their seats, bringing the burial to a total shutdown.
Wamumbi’s remarks
After preventing the priest from stopping him, Wamumbi went on to hurl sharp criticism at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, claiming he had not helped the late Ann Wanjiru in any way, despite his previous statements.
He insisted that Gachagua had in fact abandoned Ann and left her to suffer, also attacking his supporters who had attended the burial.
“Let me tell you the truth of the matter. Father, let me finish, please. Rigathi Gachagua did not help this woman — not at all. And that’s the truth.”
As members of the public jeered, Wamumbi continued to insist that Gachagua should come forward and confirm for himself whether or not he had helped the late chairlady, as he had claimed.
He went on to say that, because of this, he and the people of Mathira had vowed not to support Gachagua anymore, further claiming that he was not a good person.
“We don’t support Gachagua because he abandoned this woman. He didn’t help this chairlady, and if he did, let him come and say it here. He used her. And we, the people of Mathira, do not support Gachagua because he left this woman. Let him hear us — as the people of Mathira, we do not support his position. That’s what we said.”
Further chaos
The burial then descended into deeper chaos as members of the public who had attended jumped to the front where he stood and tried to push him away.
However, his security team was quick to whisk him off, and the microphone stand along with other items was seen toppling to the ground as the funeral, which had drawn large crowds, erupted into mayhem.
Mourners were heard shouting loudly after the scuffle, while others yelled at the MP for having ruined what was supposed to be a quiet and respectful occasion.
Kirinyaga senator’s thoughts
Kirinyaga Senator James Murango, who was also one of the key attendees, appeared visibly angered by Wamumbi’s remarks.
He stepped forward to criticise him, saying the scuffle that disrupted the ceremony had clearly been caused by the MP.
He blasted him, stating that it was obvious why he had been jeered and forced to sit down, and urged politicians to stop bringing such drama to burials in future.
“There should be no conflicts at burial services. All these problems have been brought about by Wamumbi — and you can see that is why he has been forced to sit down,” Murango insisted.