Woman Rep, MP Hubby Miss Church Fearing Harassment After Voting for Finance Bill

• The ongoing initiative to deplatform politicians from religious pulpits seems to be working
• This is after Murang'a Woman Representative Betty Maina and her husband, Mathioya MP Eric Wamumbi, skipped church
• The couple chose to pray at home for fear of backlash after they voted "yes" to the controversial Finance Bill 2024

Murang'a County's Woman Representative, Betty Maina, and her husband, Mathioya MP Eric Wamumbi, skipped church.

Eric and Betty voted for the Finance Bill 2024, angering their constituents. Photo: Betty Maina. Source: Facebook

The couple, known for their staunch Christian faith and regular attendance, chose to stay home and pray privately.

Politicians should respect the church

In a post on Facebook, Betty explained that they missed church following their support of the controversial Finance Bill 2024 in Parliament.

She lamented that the legislators had been warned against attending the religious gathering, yet they had been born and raised there.

Their decision to pray at home was a conscious effort to avoid the expected backlash from their community members for endorsing the Bill.

"For where two or three gather in my name, I am with them. Doing our Sunday Fellowship with mine truly Eric Wamumbi MP Mathira," she wrote.

How did the couple worship?

Therefore, the couple held a private prayer session at home, seeking divine guidance and strength to navigate the challenging political climate.

Their decision comes amid a wave of public outcry and intense scrutiny over the Finance Bill 2024, which sparked nationwide fury.

Many Kenyans expressed dissatisfaction, fearing the Bill would increase taxes and lead to high living costs.

Supporters, including Maina and Wamumbi, argue that the Bill is necessary for economic stability and development.

Social media reactions

Civilians, however, scolded the legislators for ignoring the public's dissenting voices and voting "yes."

One of the approaches the public settled on to express their grievances was deplatforming all politicians from religious pulpits.

Juliet Wamuhu:

"Until you listen to the voices of the ones who voted for you. Say no to oppression."

Jeff Njagi

"Mkikuja ni sawa chance ya kuongea ndio hatumpei for now. Mshiriki tu chini ya maji kama washirika wengine. Lakini hapo nje mkitoka mkipatana na gen z mkuwe cautious coz kinaeza umana."

Cooghan Muthoni Wachirah:

"It's simple; do as we wish. A good leader listens to the ground."

Lavington church Cancels Rachel Ruto's harambee

The incident comes a day after Lavington United Church cancelled a planned fundraiser.

First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto was meant to be the Chief Guest in the fundraiser to complete their sanctuary.

The invitation circulated online, drew criticism and stirred a campaign against politicians participating in church events.

With plans to disrupt the event gaining momentum, the church was forced to cancel the event.