Mathira Member of Parliament Eric Wamumbi has dismissed claims that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other politicians paid his bride price, insisting that he personally took responsibility for that important part of his traditional marriage.
Speaking during an interview on Obinna TV, the legislator addressed speculation that emerged after his wedding to Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina, with some people alleging that influential politicians had financed the dowry.
Wamumbi clarified that although friends and well-wishers may have supported other aspects of the traditional ceremony, the money presented to his wife’s family as bride price came from him.
“Ile pesa sikusaidiwa ni ya kununua msichana, kuna watu wanapiga kelele ati ‘tulikusaidia kununua msichana’, but I was very clear ile tunapeleka kwa kina msichana wacha nijipange,” he said.
The MP explained that he deliberately chose to handle the dowry himself because he viewed it as a deeply personal and significant part of the marriage process.
He said he made it clear to those around him that he wanted to make his own arrangements for the money that would be presented to his wife’s family.
His remarks appear to put to rest claims that Rigathi Gachagua financed the bride price.
Wamumbi maintained that while he appreciated the support he received during the celebrations, the responsibility of paying the dowry was his alone.
Eric Wamumbi and Betty Maina tied the knot on November 18, 2023, in a colourful traditional wedding ceremony attended by several prominent political leaders, including President William Ruto and then-Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The couple remains one of Kenya’s most prominent political partnerships, with both serving as elected leaders in the current Parliament.
