Molo MP Kuria Condemns Political Hostility At Kigumo Funeral

By Suleiman Mbatiah

Member of Parliament for Molo Kimani Kuria has sharply condemned political hostility displayed at the burial of the mother of former Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau last week.

The burial of the late Jane Wanjiku in Murang’a County on Friday turned tense and chaotic as crowds heckled Trade and Investment Cabinet Secretary, Lee Kinyanjui while he spoke.

Kinyanjui was addressing mourners about planned government projects, including an industrial park for Murang’a County when section of attendees interrupted him with chants.

Kuria said Kenyans had seen “true colours” of leaders claiming unity while silencing dissent, at funeral attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Martha Karua and Fred Matiang’i.

He said the conduct showed unity and tolerance were extended only to those aligned to a particular political camp or closely associated with specific political leaders.

“If indeed the opposition wants regional unity, they should not be the first to shout down those who only want to mourn,” Kuria stated in a statement to newsrooms.

Kuria said political tolerance was essential for communities to unite, arguing that divergent views, including support for one-term or two-term presidencies, must be respected.

The MP condemned the conduct at the funeral as inappropriate for a condolence setting, saying it had exposed the direction the region was taking and the intentions of some leaders.

The second term MP and an ally of President William Ruto particularly singled out former DP Gachagua and his allies, saying their actions have the effect of dividing the region.

He compared the incident with other communities where people hold differing political views yet manage to coexist peacefully without turning public or cultural gatherings into scenes of disruption.

“A political stance is a democratic right,” Kuria said, stressing that differing views should be respected and that funerals and other solemn occasions must not be turned into political battlegrounds.

At the burial, CS Lee said it was contradictory to speak about uniting the community while turning a funeral meant for mourning into a platform for political ridicule.

The former Nakuru Governor warned that unchecked political intolerance had turned villages into battle zones, eroding social harmony and threatening peaceful coexistence across the region.

The CS, who represented President Ruto, was forced to leave the burial ceremony before its conclusion after sustained heckling from sections of the crowd made it impossible for him to continue participating.