Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi and his North counterpart Japhet Nyakundi engage in confrontation/SCREENGRABTwo Members of Parliament have broken their silence after a dramatic confrontation at a funeral in Kisii County on Friday, September 12, 2025, where they almost engaged in a fistfight in front of mourners.
Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi and his Kitutu Chache North counterpart Japhet Nyakundi clashed during the burial of Mama Salome Nyaboke, the stepmother of former Kisii Governor James Omariba Ongwae.
In a statement after the incident, Kibagendi said his remarks were meant to highlight the political direction of the Gusii community.
“After offering my condolences, I entered a bit into politics. I told our people that we, as the Kisii community, have decided to come behind Matiang’i, and we will not support Ruto, which annoyed him. He then took the microphone, which I let him have because I didn’t want to ruin the funeral,” Kibagendi explained.
The South MP defended former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and affirmed his support for his presidential bid.
“We remain united under Matiang’i and we will not be intimidated,” he said, while urging the Gusii community to rally behind the former CS.
Nyakundi, however, dismissed the claims and insisted his objection was about the timing and setting of Kibagendi’s remarks.
“If you have any political issue to speak about, go, call people, have a gathering and speak to people, not in funerals,” he said.
The drama unfolded when Kibagendi, in his address to mourners, made comments touching on President William Ruto and declared that the community would not back him politically.
Nyakundi, a staunch Ruto ally and UDA treasurer, moved swiftly to interrupt.
The exchange quickly escalated when Nyakundi attempted to seize the microphone, pushing Kibagendi close to the edge of the podium.
A video shared by a local TV station captured Kibagendi regaining his balance while still holding onto the microphone, as mourners rushed to separate the two leaders and restore calm.
Though the scuffle was quickly contained, it highlighted the simmering political fault lines in Kisii and the growing political rivalry between pro-Matiang’i and pro-Ruto camps.
Kibagendi has openly rallied behind Matiang’i, who is eyeing the presidency in 2027, while Nyakundi has positioned himself as one of the President’s strongest defenders in the region.
The incident has left many questioning the conduct of leaders at solemn events and underscored calls for restraint as political competition intensifies.
