Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi has openly acknowledged a rift between himself and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
In a candid Facebook post dated July 7, Wamumbi dismissed allegations that their differences were linked to the ongoing battle against alcoholism in the Mount Kenya region.
“It is true that there is a rift between the Deputy President and me. The rift is not over the closed bars in Karatina town that have brought the town to a standstill for four months,” stated Wamumbi.
The Mathira MP’s declaration comes in the wake of DP Gachagua’s claims that Wamumbi was instructing local police officers to reopen bars in the area, allegedly undermining the government’s efforts to curb illicit alcohol sales.
Wamumbi has now thrown down the gauntlet, challenging Gachagua to come clean about the real reasons behind their fallout.
“This is bigger than that, he should tell the truth and nothing but the truth. I will tell the truth and the people of Mathira will choose which side they believe in,” he asserted.
The Deputy President’s remarks, made during a recent public address, accused the lawmaker of acting under “orders from above” to disrupt the closure of bars.
“When I heard last week that some people had started disrupting this work, I heard that our local MP had instructed the security officers in Karatina to reopen our bars, allegedly on orders from above,” Gachagua claimed.
He further warned that MPs do not have the authority to issue orders to security officers, hinting at possible disciplinary actions against those who disobey government directives.
Adding another layer to the controversy, Gachagua alleged that some officials within the Ministry of Home Affairs were sabotaging efforts to combat the drug menace.
His warning extended to President William Ruto, advising him to be wary of officials who might drive a wedge between him and the public.
“Mr President, if you allow overzealous officials at Harambee House with a political agenda to interfere in this war against illicit brew, those officials will turn you against the people,” Gachagua cautioned.
This public spat between the two leaders has sparked significant interest and speculation among their constituents and political observers alike.
The residents of Mathira are poised to witness a political showdown that could have far-reaching implications for the region and beyond.
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