Two MPs, Anthony Kibagendi of Kitutu Chache South and Japheth Nyakundi of Kitutu Chache North, got into a physical confrontation during a funeral in Sensi Ward, Kisii County.

The burial of Salome Ongwae, stepmother of former Kisii governor James Ongwae, descended into chaos when the two lawmakers, who belong to rival political factions, clashed on stage.

The trouble began when Kibagendi, who had been given the microphone to address the mourners, launched into a tirade against President William Ruto, accusing him of lying to Kenyans.

“We were hoodwinked as a community and as a nation to elect a President who is a liar,” said Kibagendi before Nyakundi abruptly intercepted him and grabbed the microphone.

Nyakundi, the area MP, then attempted to force Kibagendi off the dais, sparking a scuffle that quickly escalated into a fight.

In a video obtained by TSM Digital a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party legislator was seen forcibly taking the microphone from Kibagendi and attempting to remove him from the podium.

Police officers and security aides struggled to contain the situation, which disrupted the funeral proceedings.

Among leaders present at the funeral were MPs Silvanus Osoro (South Mugirango) and Dorice Donya (Kisii Woman Representative), as well as Senators Richard Onyanka (Kisii) and Okong'o Omogeni (Nyamira).

This is not the first time that leaders from the Gusii Region, have been involved in physical altercations at public events.

In May 2024, leaders clashed at a church fundraiser in Bomachoge Borabu, where the National Assembly Majority Whip, 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 the political leaders took their differences to the pulpit. 

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The situation escalated when youth backing the politicians began heckling their rivals, and Kibagendi’s speech was abruptly interrupted over his criticism of Kenya Kwanza lawmakers in the region, causing chaos to erupt. 

The venue was plunged into chaos, with police lobbing tear gas to disperse the crowd and making it difficult for the security team to restore 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.