Government Minister and Former Deputy President Clash at Kenyan Funeral
Murang’a, 6 February 2026
Political tensions erupted publicly when Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui confronted former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at a funeral in Murang’a County on 6 February 2026. The heated exchange occurred during the burial of 96-year-old Jane Wanjiku, with opposition leaders including Martha Karua and Fred Matiang’i present. Kinyanjui accused the opposition of turning funerals into political battlegrounds, whilst Gachagua claimed to possess evidence of government involvement in a recent church attack. The confrontation highlights deepening divisions within Kenya’s political landscape as the 2027 election approaches, with both sides trading accusations of violence and divisive politics in the Mount Kenya region.
Accusations Fly at Githima Village Burial
The confrontation unfolded during the burial of Jane Wanjiku in Githima village, Kigumo constituency, where Kinyanjui directly challenged the opposition’s presence at funeral services [1]. The Trade Cabinet Secretary accused opposition stalwarts of causing chaos at funerals, stating: “You must know that 2027 election will involve all Kenyans, not Mt Kenya people alone” [1]. His remarks drew immediate pushback from mourners, with crowds reportedly chanting “uongo” (lies) in response to his statements about the government’s intentions to bring development to the region [1].
Gachagua’s Counter-Attack and Church Violence Claims
Former Deputy President Gachagua responded forcefully to Kinyanjui’s accusations, criticising both the Cabinet Secretary and President Ruto’s administration [1]. “I see the CS has left after telling us that we are exercising divisive and violent politics. It is unfortunate he has left before I could tell him to go and tell his boss Ruto to stop entertaining violence and divisions in the mountain, especially targeting churches,” Gachagua declared [1]. The former deputy president claimed to possess a dossier on the government’s involvement in the 25 January 2026 attack at Anglican Witima Church in Othaya constituency, Nyeri County, where he was worshipping when perceived rogue police officers launched an assault [1].
Opposition Unity and Anti-Government Sentiment
The funeral brought together key opposition figures, with Martha Karua delivering scathing criticism of the current administration [1]. “We don’t have any sensible leadership in this country…what we have is an entity that does not respect people, only stealing and bragging,” Karua stated [1]. Fred Matiang’i was also present at the funeral, alongside Justin Muturi, demonstrating a united opposition front [1]. Local leaders echoed these sentiments, with Nginda MCA John Mwangi declaring: “Come 2027, we are determined to put all those who are loyal to President Ruto in one sack of rejection” [1].
Historical Grievances and Electoral Implications
The political discourse at the funeral referenced historical grievances, with Kinyanjui alluding to the 2024 raid on former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s farm [1]. “In 2024, you raided former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s farm…there were no strangers in that raid, it involved members of this community,” the Cabinet Secretary stated [1]. The exchange highlighted deeper regional political dynamics, with local leaders like Mr. Methu claiming that President Ruto had deceived Mt Kenya people in 2022 and would not be fortunate in the 2027 elections [1]. The confrontation ultimately ended with Kinyanjui and MP Sabina Chege departing the burial before the United Opposition principals could address the mourners, underscoring the fractured state of Kenya’s political landscape as the country approaches another electoral cycle [1].