Drama unfolded during a funeral ceremony in Sensi Ward, Kisii County, after a confrontation between two Members of Parliament escalated into a physical altercation. Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi and Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi clashed publicly over political differences on Friday, September 12, during the burial of Salome Ongwae, stepmother to former Kisii Governor James Ongwae.
Among the leaders present were the National Assembly’s Majority Whip, Sylvanus Osoro and Kisii Women Representative Dorice Donya, as well as Senators Richard Onyanka and Okongo Omogeni.
In a video seen by The Kenya Times, Kibagendi, an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party lawmaker, was heard launching a verbal attack on President William Ruto, accusing the Head of State of dishonesty.
“We were hoodwinked as a community and as a nation to elect a President who is a liar, a President…” he remarked, before his comments prompted Nyakundi to intervene.
MPs Anthony Kibagendi and Japheth Nyakundi involved in a physical altercation
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party legislator forcibly took the microphone from Kibagendi and attempted to remove him from the podium.
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The confrontation quickly escalated into a scuffle, forcing police and security personnel to step in and restore order. The altercation disrupted the funeral proceedings and left attendees stunned.
This is, notably, not the first time UDA and ODM leaders from the Gusii region have been involved in physical altercations while attending public events.
In May 2024, leaders clashed at a church fundraiser in Bomachoge Borabu, where the National Assembly’s Majority Whip, Sylvannus Osoro, led a delegation from Kenya Kwanza.
Host legislator Obadiah Barango and MP Anthony Kibagendi, on their part, represented the Azimio la Umoja brigade at the time. Political tensions at the event began to rise when political leaders took their differences to the pulpit.
Youth backing the political leaders joined in heckling the leaders in the opposing camps, and when Kibagendi’s speech was suddenly interrupted over his criticism of Kenya Kwanza lawmakers in the region, hell broke loose.
The venue plunged into chaos, with police lobbing teargas to disperse the crowd, giving the security team a difficult time restoring order.
“We cannot be blessed if we come to church and bring violence and bring noise. We cannot even hear the word of the Lord,” said MP Nyakundi after the chaos.
ODM, Kenya Kwanza MPs commit to unity
In August, Kenya Kwanza and ODM lawmakers resolved to work together in Parliament under a bipartisan framework, pledging to prioritise national unity and implementation of a joint 10-point agenda.
Also Read: Ruto and Raila Issue Way Forward After ODM-Kenya Kwanza Meeting
During a meeting led by President Ruto and ODM Party Leader, Raila Odinga in Nairobi, the two groups said they would put aside partisan divisions to advance the national interest and foster reconciliation, dialogue, and inclusion across the country.
The leaders committed to pushing legislation and oversight measures aimed at supporting economic growth, job creation, healthcare, education, agriculture, infrastructure, social justice, and youth and women empowerment.
They also pledged to fight corruption across all arms of government and ensure compensation for victims of political violence, as recommended by a presidentially appointed coordinating committee.
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