Kericho Senator and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot has finally broken his silence following growing political tensions in the Mt Kenya region after allies of President William Ruto were attacked and chased away during a funeral.
The incident, which happened in a region considered a stronghold of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, sparked heated reactions online after videos of the chaos went viral on social media.
Speaking during a public address, Cheruiyot strongly condemned the violence and warned politicians against using funerals to settle political scores.
“The presidency is won through the ballot, not at funerals,” Cheruiyot said.
He emphasized that Kenya is a democratic country where leadership is decided through elections, not intimidation or public disorder.
According to the senator, disrupting funerals for political reasons disrespects families, cultural values, and the dead.
In recent weeks, funerals in parts of Mt Kenya have turned into political battlegrounds, with leaders linked to President Ruto facing hostility from supporters aligned with Gachagua.
What are meant to be peaceful and respectful gatherings have instead become scenes of shouting, insults, and in some cases, physical attacks.
Cheruiyot defended Ruto’s allies, stating that every Kenyan has a constitutional right to attend public events anywhere in the country without fear of harassment.
He also warned that such acts of violence only weaken democracy and increase division among Kenyans.
As the country slowly gears up for the 2027 General Election, political temperatures continue to rise. However, Cheruiyot called on leaders and supporters alike to maintain peace, respect public spaces, and allow politics to be played out at the ballot box—not at funerals.
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Politics