Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi was forced to cut short his speech during a funeral in Kirinyaga County after making remarks perceived as dismissive of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's influence.
In a video widely circulated online, Wamumbi is heard saying, "Watu wa Mathira, hatuungi Rigathi Gachagua mkono. Na asikilize, sisi kama watu wa Mathira, hatuombi msimamo wa Rigathi Gachagua." (People of Mathira, we do not support Rigathi Gachagua. And let him know - we, as Mathira residents, do not seek his position on anything.)
The comments triggered immediate backlash from a section of mourners, with chants erupting and some moving toward the podium in protest.
The incident occurred during the burial of Ann Wanjiru Mumbuchi at Muragara Primary School in Ndia, Kirinyaga County.
At one point, a cleric attempted to take the microphone away from Wamumbi, but the MP resisted, saying, "Acha nimalize, Father. I am from Mathira, and no one will take me anywhere." (Let me finish, Father. I am from Mathira, and no one can remove me.)
Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murango was among those visibly agitated and made his way to the dais in an attempt to stop Wamumbi's speech. Moments later, the crowd broke into song, effectively ending the address.
The disruption is the latest in a growing trend of public hostility toward allies of President William Ruto at political events.
Last week, during the President's development tour of Mt Kenya, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah faced jeers and heckling in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County - even in Ruto's presence.
As Ichung'wah climbed atop a vehicle to address the crowd, he was met with loud protests and vuvuzelas, drowning out his voice.
"Calm down. Let me tell you, I am not someone to be shouted at," Ichung'wah said, struggling to be heard. "I want to tell President Ruto that here in Ol Kalou and across Nyandarua, no one can be intimidated."
