Deputy Minority Whip Dismisses Claims He Was Attacked for Chanting ‘Tutam’
Nguni Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Jeremiah Mutua has dismissed reports claiming that he was assaulted for chanting the slogan “Tutam” and openly supporting the Kenya Kwanza government.
The Kitui Deputy Minority Whip described the claims as false and misleading, saying they do not reflect what actually happened.
In a detailed statement released on Monday evening, January 19, Mutua explained that the incident took place on January 17 during the burial ceremony of the mother of Nuu Ward MCA Judith Wanza.
He said the event started peacefully and that he was warmly welcomed by mourners and fellow leaders who attended the ceremony.
According to Mutua, the situation only became tense later during speeches. He claimed that the Kitui County Chief Officer for Finance and the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture and Livestock made strong and critical remarks about Mwingi Central Member of Parliament Gideon Mulyungi, who was not present at the burial.
These remarks, he said, appeared to anger sections of the crowd and created an uncomfortable atmosphere.
When Mutua was given the opportunity to speak, he said he strictly focused on offering condolences to the bereaved family. He also urged political leaders to show respect to one another, especially during sensitive occasions such as funerals.
In his speech, he defended MP Gideon Mulyungi, arguing that it was wrong for leaders to attack someone who was not present to respond.
Mutua stated that shortly after he returned to his seat, chaos erupted. He alleged that a group of goons attacked him, throwing a bottle of water at his face while others physically assaulted him. He further claimed that the attackers were organised and allegedly linked to certain well-known political figures.
“The people who attacked me are well known, and several of them were clearly captured in videos that are now circulating widely,” Mutua said. He alleged that some of the attackers were hired from Nairobi, others from Mwingi town, and claimed that a few were police officers dressed in civilian clothing.
The MCA strongly denied claims circulating online that he had chanted political slogans or declared support for any political faction during the burial. He insisted that at no point did he mention Kenya Kwanza or the opposition, maintaining that his remarks were purely about unity, respect, and condolences.
It remains unclear why MP Gideon Mulyungi became the focus of criticism during the burial, especially given that he has openly declared his support for the opposition. Mulyungi is known to be aligned with the opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka, a key political figure in the Eastern Kenya region.
While condemning the attack, Mutua said the incident could have happened to anyone and should not be viewed as a personal or political vendetta. He called on security agencies under the County Commissioner, who was present at the event, to conduct thorough investigations and ensure that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
The incident comes at a time when political temperatures in Eastern Kenya are steadily rising. The region is increasingly becoming a battleground as leaders and residents debate whether to align with the opposition or the Kenya Kwanza government ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Over the weekend, Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti appeared to strengthen the opposition’s position after publicly endorsing Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka. Speaking to residents, she urged them to rally behind Kalonzo, whom she described as a capable and trustworthy leader.
“Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, my party leader, stands out as a tested and dependable leader with a strong record of good governance. I call on all Kenyans to unite behind his visionary leadership and support his 2027 presidential bid for the good of our nation,” Wavinya Ndeti said.
As political realignments continue to take shape in Eastern Kenya, incidents such as the one involving MCA Mutua highlight the growing tension and the need for tolerance, restraint, and respect among leaders and their supporters.
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