Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi has criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua following the visit by a South Rift delegation to his Wamunyoro residence, accusing him of double standards in political engagement.
The delegation, drawn largely from the Rift Valley, reportedly arrived in 16 matatus carrying 14 people each, bringing the total to 224 visitors.
The group included grassroots leaders and mobilisers, marking one of the latest high-profile visits to Gachagua since his 2024 impeachment.
In his remarks, Wamumbi appeared to directly challenge Gachagua’s past criticism of President William Ruto for hosting delegations from the Mt Kenya region at State House and Sagana State Lodge.
“When 5,000 people from Mathira visited WSR at Sagana State Lodge, they were called Gakúnia, Endia a Rúrírí, Ngunda Ngútúme and komerera. They were told that wanaongozwa na tumbo,” Wamumbi said.
He questioned whether Gachagua would apply the same language to the Rift Valley visitors now engaging him at his Nyeri home.
“I am yet to confirm whether the 224 guests left their stomachs at home,” he added, in a pointed reference to earlier claims that such visits were driven by personal gain.
Wamumbi argued that the current situation exposes what he termed as inconsistency in Gachagua’s political stance, noting that similar engagements had previously drawn sharp criticism from the former deputy president when directed at Ruto.
“The best thing with WSR, he will not call the 224 guests names, he will respect their political stand,” Wamumbi said, defending the President’s approach to hosting delegations.
He also referenced an incident involving members of the Akorino community who visited State House and were allegedly criticised, suggesting that such reactions had contributed to tensions around political outreach.
“When members of Akorino visited WSR at State House, they were called names,” he said.
The Mathira MP’s remarks come amid increasing political activity at Gachagua’s Wamunyoro residence, which has become a focal point for delegations from across the country.