Political tensions flare as Ruto-allied MPs heckled at funeral in Laikipia

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who attended the burial, led his allies in criticising President Ruto, accusing him of demeaning his position by insulting his critics. 

The atmosphere was calm, with occasional applause for leaders who spoke out against the government, until Laikipia North legislator Sarah Paulata Korere took the podium.

From the onset, Korere faced a hostile reception as she took a swipe at Gachagua’s allies.

"Where I come from, when you attend a funeral, you set aside unnecessary sideshows first…" she remarked, only to be met with loud boos from the crowd.

The legislator also criticized the clergy for conducting the service in vernacular, arguing that national events should be inclusive of all languages.

"You will raise your hands until you get tired. You formed the Kenya Kwanza government… and I agree with Kiunjuri, we will remain in it. But when we come to a national platform where all Kenyans are represented, this is Kiamariga, Laikipia—not Nyeri. We all do not understand Kikuyu."

Her comments sparked further discontent among the mourners. 

Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri also found himself on the receiving end, with the congregation drowning out his speech with jeers. Like Korere, he was forced to keep his remarks brief.

"I will remain in government. The people of Laikipia must unite… I will be called whatever they choose to call me because this is the government we have now in our village," Kiunjuri stated.

Attempting to use a local proverb, he added, "A porcupine has thorns but still gives birth. Let us stay here." However, this failed to pacify the crowd.

A visibly agitated Rigathi Gachagua took the stage next, sharply rebuking the MPs for what he termed as disrespect towards the clergy.

"Bishop, on behalf of the political class, please accept our apology for the disrespect that has been shown to you by that Member of Parliament who is an ally of President William Ruto," he stated.

Gachagua went further, accusing the legislators of adopting the president’s approach to political discourse.

"You call the people of the mountain tribalists, the people of Ukambani 'ndengu' people, and the people of Isiolo drug peddlers… there is no need to insult people," he said.

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga and Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah also weighed in, echoing sentiments against the government.

The event was attended by several leaders allied to the former deputy president, as they paid tribute to Mzee William Nderitu from Laikipia County.