Political tensions in the Mt. Kenya region have escalated after Mathira Member of Parliament Eric Wamumbi launched a scathing attack on fellow politician Kaguchia, accusing him of hypocrisy over his family’s alleged ties to the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Speaking at a political gathering, Wamumbi claimed that Kaguchia’s wife, Susan Mambo, serves as a director at the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board, a state agency under the National Treasury. According to the legislator, her appointment was made by the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury, making it inconsistent, in his view, for Kaguchia to maintain a strong anti-government stance.
Wamumbi argued that while Kaguchia has repeatedly criticized the current administration and vowed to remove government officials from office, his own family continues to hold a senior position within a government institution. He questioned the consistency of Kaguchia’s political message, saying there appeared to be a contradiction between his public criticism of the government and his family’s continued service in a state agency.
The outspoken MP further alleged that Kaguchia had not been transparent about his wife’s appointment while portraying himself as one of the government’s fiercest critics. He suggested that leaders should apply the same standards to themselves that they expect from others.
In his address, Wamumbi also mocked Kaguchia’s repeated declarations that he would remove government officials “even from under their beds,” arguing that such statements were difficult to reconcile with the fact that his wife occupies a senior public office.
The Mathira legislator went on to accuse Kaguchia of encouraging supporters to wage political battles against the government while his own family continued to benefit from public appointments. In a sarcastic remark, Wamumbi claimed Kaguchia would not even contribute to his supporters’ dowries despite urging them to fight political battles on his behalf.
The exchange is the latest indication of growing political rivalry within the Mt. Kenya region as leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election. Issues surrounding public appointments, political loyalty and shifting alliances have increasingly become central to political discourse in the region.
Neither Kaguchia nor Susan Mambo had publicly responded to the allegations at the time of publication. Additionally, it remains unclear whether Kaguchia has previously addressed questions regarding his wife’s reported role at the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board.
The latest war of words is expected to intensify political debate as rival camps continue competing for influence in one of Kenya’s key political regions ahead of the next general election.