Githunguru MP Gathoni Wamuchomba has called for a public apology from Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thangwa following controversial remarks made during the senator’s mother’s burial.
Wamuchomba accused him of spreading false claims and politicizing the funeral.
In a pointed public letter to Senator wa Thangwa, Wamuchomba explained that she had initially planned to miss the funeral due to a parliamentary trip to the United Kingdom, a detail she shared with both the senator and his brother, Father Michael, during a prior conversation.
“I am pleased that you have laid your mother to rest today. I had not intended to attend the funeral because of my parliamentary trip to the UK, as I communicated to you and your brother during my last visit to your home,” she stated.
The MP expressed that she visited the family home to offer condolences and contributed Ksh50,000 to assist the grieving family.
“I came to your mother’s house to offer my condolences peacefully and contributed Ksh50,000. When I was leaving, my office team and supporters encouraged me to take a photo in a UDA scarf, as your DCP party officials standing by me wore their green party caps,” she clarified.
Wamuchomba emphasized that the photograph, which later ignited controversy, was taken after the prayer meeting concluded.
“The photo was captured after the prayer meeting had ended, and most attendees had already left. I am generally a joyful person—why create unnecessary drama?” she questioned.
She pointed out that Senator wa Thangwa was present when she signed the official condolences book, confirming that she did not wear the party scarf at that moment.
“Karungo, you were by my side when I signed the official condolences book. I wasn’t wearing the UDA scarf then, correct?” she asked.
Wamuchomba further criticized the senator for transforming the funeral into a political event, highlighting her good relationships with other family members.
“It is disheartening that you have turned your mother’s funeral into a political platform, disregarding that your other siblings are our friends, colleagues, and neighbors with whom we maintain good relations,” she remarked.
She also dismissed allegations made by the senator that she had attempted to dismantle tents set up for the funeral.
“You claimed that I tried to pull down the tents on Friday. Are you certain they were erected on Friday? Were they to remain standing from Friday to Monday? The funeral was today (Monday). Do you have witnesses to support this claim? Do you have photos or videos as evidence? If so, please share them,” she stated.
The MP insisted that the senator should publicly apologize for what she labeled as false allegations.
“I demand a public apology because you know you misrepresented the facts to garner public sympathy,” she asserted.
During the funeral service, Senator Thangwa stated that the family had prayed for and forgiven the MP, hoping she would not engage in similar behavior in the future.
“We have prayed and forgiven her as a family, and we hope she avoids such actions with others,” Thangwa said.
Wamuchomba recounted previous discussions regarding funeral arrangements, asserting that she had assisted the senator when he faced difficulties securing a venue.
“When the school management and OCPD denied you entry, you reached out to Hon Kimani Ichungwa for help, who then contacted me, and we agreed to assist you,” she explained.
She added that Eric Methu also reached out to her concerning this matter.
“Senator Methu called me about the same issue, and I assured you that no one would interfere. We all agreed that your late mother transcended these issues. You even called me directly to request assistance, Karungo,” she noted.
The legislator accused the senator of making misleading public statements.
“You have misrepresented the truth on camera, and it is time to reconsider your actions. I regard you as a brother, which is why I came to your home. Using your mother’s funeral as a political stage to undermine me is unacceptable. May God defend me in this situation,” she expressed.
She reiterated that, given the public nature of the allegations, she had the right to clear her name.
“Since you have gone public with these false allegations, I have every right to defend my reputation, and I will do so. I urge you to provide the evidence as claimed,” she added.
Wamuchomba concluded her statement by extending her condolences to the family while firmly maintaining her position.
“May your mother rest in peace. May your other siblings find solace. May God advocate for me in this matter,” she said.
She also encouraged the senator to reveal details of their previous conversations regarding the funeral arrangements.
“Now, let the public know about our other discussions and the truth that Hon Ichungwa contacted the security team to facilitate your entry,” she urged.
In her letter, the MP also claimed that Thang’wa had received a Sh3 million donation from State House, which he allegedly instructed to be delivered to his partner on Kenyatta Road to prevent other siblings from accessing the funds.
“Tell the public you were also given Sh3 million from State House and advised that it be delivered to your baby mama who lives on Kenyatta Road, so that your siblings don’t claim it,” Wamuchomba alleged.
