Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba has demanded a public apology from Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thangwa following remarks the senator made during the burial of his mother, accusing the lawmaker of spreading what she termed as false claims and politicising the funeral.

In a strongly worded public letter addressed to the Karungo wa Thangwa, the Gathoni Wamuchomba said she had not initially planned to attend the funeral due to a parliamentary trip to the United Kingdom, and had informed the senator and his brother, Father Michael, during an earlier conversation.

“I’m happy you have rested your mother in peace today. I had not planned to attend the funeral since I had a parliamentary trip to UK and I mentioned to you and your brother (Father Michael) in my latest conversation with you at your home,” she said.

The legislator said she visited the family home to offer condolences and contributed Ksh50,000 to support the bereaved family.

“I came in your mother’s house for condolences in peace, contributed Ksh50K and when I was leaving my office team and supporters insisted I take a photo in UDA scarf since your DCP party officials who stood by my side as I signed the condolences book wore their green party caps,” she said.

According to the MP, the photograph that later sparked controversy was taken after the prayer meeting had ended.

“The photo I took was not part of the prayer meeting and majority of people had dispersed. As usual, am a happy soul. Why make a fuss out of it?” she posed.

She added that the senator had been present when she signed the official condolences book and confirmed that she was not wearing the party scarf at that time.

“Karungo you stood by my side as I signed the official condolences book. I didn’t have the UDA scarf right?” she said.

Wamuchomba further accused the senator of turning the funeral into a political platform, noting that she maintains cordial relationships with other members of the family.

“It’s sad you’ve made your mother’s funeral a political platform forgetting your other siblings are also our friends, work mates and neighbors and we relate well,” she stated.

She also rejected claims allegedly made by the senator that she attempted to pull down tents that had been set up for the funeral.

“You claimed that I attempted or I pulled down the tents on Friday. Are you sure the tents were put up on Friday? Were they to stand waiting from Friday to Monday? And funeral was today (Monday). Do you have witnesses to this effect? Do you have pictures or videos as evidence? If so please share here and prove the same,” she said.

The MP insisted that the senator should publicly apologise for what she termed as false allegations.

“I demand for a public apology because you know you lied for public sympathy,” she said.

Speaking during the funeral service, Thang’wa said they had prayed and forgiven the MP.

“We have prayed and forgiven her as a family. We pray that she never does that to other people,” Thang’wa stated.

Wamuchomba also detailed earlier interactions between the two regarding arrangements for the funeral venue, claiming she assisted the senator after he encountered challenges securing a location.

“When the school management and OCPD denied you entry to the school, you called Hon Kimani Ichungwa to help you secure the field who later reached out to me and we agreed to assist you which we did,” she said.

She added that Eric Methu also contacted her regarding the issue.

“Senator Methu called me on the same matter and I assured that nobody would interfere and we all agreed that your late mother was above the issues. You even called me on my line to plead for help Karungo,” she said.

The legislator accused the senator of making misleading statements publicly.

“You have lied on camera and you should repent. I treat you as my brother and that’s why I came to your home. Making your mother’s funeral a stage to destroy me politically is wrong. May God defend me in your face,” she said.

She further insisted that since the allegations had been made publicly, she had the right to clear her name.

“And since you went public over untrue allegations, I have the right to clear my name and that I will do. I demand that you release evidence as claimed,” she added.

Wamuchomba concluded her statement by offering condolences to the family while maintaining her stance.

“May your mother rest well. May your other siblings get peace. May God fight for me on this matter,” she said.

She also urged the senator to disclose details of their previous conversations regarding the funeral arrangements.

“Now tell the public our other conversation and the truth that we spoke and Hon Ichungwa called the security team to allow you to proceed,” she said.

In her letter, the MP also alleged that the senator had received financial support from State House for the funeral.