- Tensions flared at a funeral in Kirinyaga as mourners and politicians clashed with a presiding pastor.
- Pastor denied politicians affiliated with Rigathi Gachagua a chance to speak, sparking protests.
- Kirinyaga Woman Rep Njeri Maina and Senator Kamau Murango confronted the pastor, demanding a platform.
- The pastor stormed out, stating the funeral was not a political rally.
- Gachagua addressed mourners via phone, as his allies decried political bias.
A funeral in Kirinyaga on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, descended into chaos after a scuffle erupted between mourners, politicians, and a presiding pastor. The tension ignited when the pastor denied politicians allied to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua a chance to speak, triggering protests from their supporters.
Clash Over Speaking Rights
A viral video circulating online captured the moment Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina and Senator Kamau Murango confronted the pastor, demanding to address the mourners. As tensions escalated, mourners began chanting in protest, forcing the pastor to storm out of the funeral.
Another group of attendees took over the main stage, insisting that their leaders be given respect and allowed to speak.
“We will not accept… we will not accept… Give our leaders respect,” some mourners chanted.
Some mourners accused the pastor of favoring government-aligned politicians, fueling further unrest.
Pastor Defends His Actions
Speaking to reporters from his car after leaving the funeral, the pastor defended his decision, stating that the event was a solemn occasion, not a political rally.
“This is a funeral ceremony, not a political rally. We are not fighting with them; we respect them and even give them a chance to speak. Instead of consoling the family, they were settling political scores, which is unacceptable,” the pastor stated.
Gachagua’s Allies Speak Out
Despite the earlier chaos, the politicians were eventually allowed to speak, with Gachagua addressing mourners via phone alongside Senator Murango.
The incident comes amid rising political tensions in Mount Kenya, where MPs aligned with Gachagua have accused the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) of unfairly targeting them.
Led by Gatanga MP Edward Muriu, the lawmakers criticized the NCIC for alleged political bias, arguing that the commission ignores controversial remarks from government-aligned politicians while cracking down on Gachagua’s allies.
“We call on the NCIC to carry out its duties equitably, ensuring that all leaders, regardless of their political affiliations, are held accountable for statements that threaten national unity,” said Muriu.
Tetu MP echoed these sentiments, stating that the government side was being shielded from scrutiny.
The Kirinyaga funeral debacle underscores the deepening political divisions in Mount Kenya, as tensions between government and opposition factions continue to mount.
