A women’s parliamentary lobby has strongly defended Lamu County Woman Representative Monicah Muthoni Marubu after she was publicly heckled and humiliated during a funeral service in Murang’a County.
The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) condemned the incident on Saturday, January 3, saying such behaviour has no place in public gatherings. The incident happened on Friday during the burial of Alice Wangari Gakuya at Makomboki village.
According to witnesses, tension started after Marubu openly stated her political position while addressing mourners. Before the disruption, the legislator had begun her speech on a calm and respectful note, offering condolences to her friend, MP James Gakuya, whose mother was being laid to rest.
Marubu also praised development projects in the area and spoke about her personal connection to Murang’a, revealing that her parents hail from the county. However, the mood quickly changed when she addressed politics.
“I, as Muthoni, am telling you that I do not support the Wantam narrative. I support the Tutam one,” she told the crowd.
Seconds after the statement, mourners began booing and protesting, forcing an interruption of the funeral service. Videos shared online showed angry crowds shouting as the event briefly descended into chaos.
In response, KEWOPA Chairperson Leah Sankaire released a statement strongly condemning the harassment. She said no leader should face intimidation, whether male or female, and especially not at sensitive events like funerals.
“Violence, intimidation, heckling, or hostility against any leader has no place in Kenya’s political or social spaces,” Sankaire stated.
KEWOPA warned that public gatherings, including funerals, should never be turned into political battlegrounds. The lobby further explained that while the Constitution protects freedom of expression, it does not allow actions that threaten people’s dignity or safety.
“Democracy grows through dialogue, respect, and reasoned debate, not through intimidation or public disorder,” the statement added.
The burial was attended by several political leaders from across the country, highlighting the seriousness of the incident. Those present included Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, Nyandarua Senator John Methu, Embakasi South MP Julius Mawathe, and Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara.
The incident comes at a time when political temperatures are rising across the country as leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
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