Chaos as Two Kisii MPs Fight During Public Funeral
Drama broke out in Kisii County after two Members of Parliament got into a fistfight in front of mourners during a funeral in Sensi Ward. The incident happened on Saturday at the burial of Salome Ongwae, the stepmother of former Kisii Governor James Ongwae.
The clash involved Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi and Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi, who belong to rival political factions. What was meant to be a solemn occasion quickly turned chaotic after the two leaders exchanged harsh words and later blows.
How the fight started
According to eyewitnesses, Kibagendi had been handed the microphone to make his remarks. However, instead of giving a tribute, he turned his speech into a direct political attack on President William Ruto.
“We were deceived as a community and as a country into electing a President who is a liar,” Kibagendi told mourners, openly accusing the Head of State of betraying Kenyans.
No sooner had he made the statement than Nyakundi, who is the area MP, stormed onto the podium, snatched the microphone from him, and demanded that he step aside. Nyakundi attempted to push Kibagendi away from the dais, sparking a scuffle that shocked the mourners.
In a video that later circulated online, Nyakundi — a staunch supporter of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) — could be seen grabbing the microphone and physically trying to eject Kibagendi from the podium.
Tension at the funeral
The altercation quickly escalated into a fistfight as supporters of both camps tried to intervene. Security aides and police officers rushed to separate the two lawmakers, but by then, the ceremony had already been disrupted.
Mourners were left in disbelief, with some rushing to safety while others attempted to calm the leaders. What was supposed to be a peaceful farewell for the late Salome Ongwae instead turned into a political battleground.
Several senior politicians were in attendance, including South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro, Kisii Woman Representative Dorice Donya, Kisii Senator Richard Onyanka, and Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni, all of whom witnessed the embarrassing incident.
A repeat of Kisii political clashes
This is not the first time that political leaders in the Gusii region have caused chaos at public gatherings. In May 2024, a fundraiser at a church in Bomachoge Borabu was similarly disrupted after leaders allied to opposing coalitions clashed openly.
On that occasion, Majority Whip Silvanus Osoro led a team of Kenya Kwanza legislators, while MP Obadiah Barango and Anthony Kibagendi represented Azimio la Umoja.
The event became tense after leaders began using the pulpit to attack each other politically. Supporters of the rival groups soon joined in, heckling and shouting down their opponents.
When Kibagendi attempted to criticize Kenya Kwanza leaders, his speech was interrupted, and violence broke out. Police were forced to lob tear gas to disperse the rowdy crowd, leaving the church compound in disarray.
After calm was restored, MP Japheth Nyakundi condemned the behavior, saying:
“We cannot be blessed if we come to church and start fighting, shouting, and disrupting God’s word. That is not the way to seek God’s grace.”
Rising political intolerance
The latest incident at Ongwae’s funeral adds to growing concerns about political intolerance in Kisii. Leaders from the region have increasingly turned funerals, fundraisers, and church services into platforms for political rivalry.
For many residents, these repeated clashes have become an embarrassment, showing how deep political divisions run among leaders even during moments of mourning.
Battle of Kitutu Saba: North vs. South
— Maverick Aoko (@AokoOtieno_) September 12, 2025
Matiang'i vs. Ruto…
Singapoor Rais ajue Gusii is neither Rachel nor Uasin Gishu
Even a mad man deserves respect in his home
Swords drawn, soul of Gusii is the coveted price
My money is on Antoney Kibagendi
Katambe sana 😁 pic.twitter.com/wN3didkH9Y
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