Chaos at Kisii funeral as MPs Kibagendi, Nyakundi exchange blows

By Newsflash Repoter

A funeral in Kisii County turned chaotic on Thursday after two Members of Parliament, Anthony Kibagendi of Kitutu Chache South and Japheth Nyakundi of Kitutu Chache North, physically clashed on stage in front of mourners.

The dramatic incident occurred during the burial of Salome Ongwae, stepmother to former Kisii Governor James Ongwae, at Sensi Ward. The event, which had drawn several high-ranking leaders from the region, was momentarily disrupted as the lawmakers descended into a fistfight, shocking mourners and forcing security officers to intervene.

Verbal attack sparks confrontation

Tensions flared when Kibagendi, addressing the mourners, launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto, accusing him of betraying the Kisii community.

“We were hoodwinked as a community and as a nation to elect a President who is a liar,” Kibagendi declared, sparking murmurs in the crowd.

Nyakundi, who is allied to President Ruto’s camp, swiftly intercepted. He grabbed the microphone from Kibagendi and attempted to eject him from the dais, triggering a heated exchange that quickly turned physical. Witnesses described the altercation as “chaotic,” with the two MPs trading blows before police and security aides rushed in to separate them.

Security struggles to restore order

The confrontation disrupted the somber mood of the funeral. Security officers had a difficult time calming the situation as supporters from both sides shouted at each other. Some mourners fled the scene fearing further escalation.

The scuffle left the burial ceremony in disarray, overshadowing what was meant to be a moment of mourning for the Ongwae family.

Leaders present

The funeral was attended by several notable leaders, including South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro, Kisii Woman Representative Dorice Donya, Kisii Senator Richard Onyanka, and Nyamira Senator Okongo Omogeni. Many of them watched in disbelief as the two legislators turned a solemn event into a political battlefield.

While none of the leaders intervened directly in the fight, some later condemned the behavior, saying it was a disgraceful display that embarrassed the community.

Political undertones

The clash highlighted the growing rift among Kisii leaders, with some aligned to the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and others critical of the government. Kibagendi, known for his outspoken criticism of President Ruto, has increasingly clashed with allies of the head of state, while Nyakundi has emerged as one of Ruto’s key defenders in Kisii.

Analysts say the altercation points to deeper political divisions that may intensify as the country heads toward the 2027 general elections. Kisii County has traditionally been an opposition stronghold, but UDA has been making inroads, causing friction between local leaders.

Public reactions

Videos of the fight, shared widely on social media, sparked outrage among Kenyans, many of whom criticized the lawmakers for dishonoring a funeral with political theatrics.

“This was shameful. Leaders should respect mourning families instead of bringing their rivalries to the graveyard,” one Kisii resident lamented.

Others, however, argued that the incident was a reflection of the “raw political tension” in the region, where leaders remain sharply divided over national politics.

Looking ahead

Neither Kibagendi nor Nyakundi issued immediate public statements after the incident, but sources close to both camps suggest the feud is far from over. Police have not indicated whether any disciplinary action will be taken against the MPs.

For the Ongwae family, however, what was meant to be a day of tribute to a loved one will be remembered instead for an ugly political brawl that captured national attention.