There was drama at a funeral in Sensi Ward, Kisii County, after Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi and his Kitutu Chache North counterpart Japheth Nyakundi engaged in a physical fight on the podium, exposing simmering political tensions in the region.
The incident occurred during the burial of Salome Ongwae, the stepmother of former Kisii Governor James Ongwae. What began as a somber ceremony turned chaotic when Kibagendi, addressing mourners, launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto, accusing him of deceit.
“We were hoodwinked as a community and as a nation to elect a President who is a liar,” Kibagendi said, moments before Nyakundi grabbed the microphone from him.
Nyakundi, the area MP, reportedly attempted to force Kibagendi off the dais, sparking a brief scuffle in full view of mourners and dignitaries. Police officers and VIP security aides struggled to restore order as tensions rose.
Several leaders present, including South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro, Kisii Woman Representative Dorice Donya, and Senators Richard Onyanka (Kisii) and Okongo Omogeni (Nyamira), witnessed the fracas.
The altercation underscored the growing political rivalry in Kisii County, where divisions between leaders allied to President Ruto and those in opposition have become increasingly pronounced.