Remarks made during a funeral service in Ol Kalou have triggered a political row after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was accused by a section of Members of Parliament of turning the event into a political platform and making divisive statements.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah led the criticism, saying Gachagua’s comments at the burial of the late Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho were disrespectful and inappropriate for a mourning occasion. He also alleged that some remarks amounted to inflammatory and tribal rhetoric.
Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba also faulted the politicisation of the funeral, arguing that contributions meant to support the bereaved family should not be overshadowed by political messaging.
Lamu East MP Ruweida Obo warned that funerals are increasingly becoming tense political spaces and suggested leaders may need to avoid such events if hostility continues.
Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and Digital Economy William Kabogo also condemned the remarks, describing them as disrespectful and calling for more restraint in public political conduct.
In response, Gachagua defended his statements while speaking later in Laikipia, insisting they were justified and questioning whether complaints lodged against leaders such as Ichung’wah would be addressed fairly. He also repeated concerns about alleged political interference and cautioned against political alliances he said could deepen ethnic divisions involving the Orange Democratic Movement and President William Ruto.
The incident has reignited debate among lawmakers over political decorum at public gatherings, with calls for stricter measures to discourage hate speech and maintain respect during funerals and other community events.
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