Governor Kahiga Blames UDA MP Over Tuesday’s Karatina Chaos

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has publicly blamed Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi for the chaos that erupted during protests in Karatina on Tuesday, May 20.

Speaking on Wednesday, May 21, Kahiga accused the legislator of inciting confrontation and undermining citizens' constitutional rights.

"I condemn what happened in Karatina on Tuesday and I specifically place the blame on the current MP of Mathira, Eric Wamumbi.

"The people of Mathira are peaceful and they were just doing a peaceful demonstration which is allowed," he said.

Kahiga pointed out that similar demonstrations had taken place in other parts of Nyeri County without any incident.

"We saw demonstrations in Mukurweini and Othaya and we should allow people to express themselves because it is a constitutional right.

"When you start fighting that because you think it is going to bring down your popularity, it is not the right thing to do," he added.

Kahiga urged Wamumbi to respect the public’s right to peaceful protest and avoid introducing confrontational tactics that escalate tensions.

"I want to ask the honorable MP, if the people of Karatina want to demonstrate, let them demonstrate and go back to their own homes.

"When you bring confrontational issues like the one we saw, we end up damaging property and hurting people which is not the right way to take Nyeri," he stated.

On Tuesday, business came to a stop in Karatina as residents protested the allerged harassment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua by the government.

The protesters blocking roads with stones and burning tyres, causing heavy traffic in the town.

The protesters fought with police officers who tried to stop them before the crowd was finally dispersed.