Police officers were forced to intervene in an attempt to calm tensions after Members of Parliament allied to President William Ruto and those allied to the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua clashed during a burial in Mathira, Nyeri County, on Wednesday. Trouble began when the area MP, Eric Wamumbi, rose to address the mourners and accused Gachagua of using and dumping the Mathira women's chairlady, who was being laid to rest. "We, as the people of Mathira, do not support Rigathi Gachagua in any way because he used and dumped this woman.
That is the truth, and he should know that," Wamumbi stated.
Soon after, the polarised crowd began shouting at the legislator, with some supporting him, forcing him to end his speech prematurely. Kirinyaga Senator James Murango, agitated by the accusations, rose from his seat, charging towards Wamumbi before he was stopped by police officers who were in plain clothes.
Supporters of the Nyeri youthful legislator formed a barrier between him as furious Murango broke into songs in the local dialect. Mourners, stunned by the turn of events, started shouting at the political factions, urging them to take their political differences away from the funeral. More to follow.
