Kitutu Chache North MP Japhet Nyakundi speaks during the event/FB
A tense political moment unfolded at the burial of Mama Teresa Nyaboke, the mother of Senator Richard Onyonka, after Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi fiercely confronted hecklers during his speech in Kisii County.
The outspoken legislator appeared irritated by interruptions from sections of the crowd as he addressed mourners at the highly attended funeral ceremony on Friday.
In a sharp response to the heckling, Nyakundi defended his political record and took a swipe at rivals, drawing loud reactions from both supporters and critics in the crowd.
“Some of you are in one term, some of us are in two term, and we are proudly in two term,” he said.
According to Nyakundi, such divergence in political opinions and leadership choices was the true sweetness of democracy.
“Democracy is like that. Those who are in one term, we appreciate, and those who are in two term like us we thank God,” he added defiantly.
This, as he told them to prepare themselves for the battle ahead.
”So nyinyi mjipange, sisi tunajipanga tukutane uwanjani hiyo wakati ikifika,” Nyakundi said.
His remarks triggered mixed reactions among mourners, with some cheering while others continued heckling, momentarily turning the burial into a politically charged arena.
Nyakundi is a staunch supporter of President Ruto and currently serves as the national treasurer of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
The funeral drew prominent political leaders from across the divide, including opposition figures such as Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, National Assembly majority whip Sylvanus Osoro, former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East Babu Owino.
Despite the sombre occasion meant to honour Mama Nyaboke’s life, political undertones dominated several speeches as leaders traded subtle jabs and mobilised supporters ahead of the country’s next political contest.
Even so, several leaders appealed for restraint and respect during funeral gatherings, urging politicians not to turn burial ceremonies into battlegrounds for political supremacy.
Mama Teresa Nyaboke was eulogised as a respected matriarch who united families and nurtured strong community ties, with speakers praising her humility, faith and commitment to education.
Her burial attracted hundreds of mourners from Kisii and neighbouring counties.