Mourners gathered in Makomboki village, Murang’a County, on January 3, 2026, for the burial of Alice Wangari Gakuya, mother of Embakasi North Member of Parliament James Gakuya.

The funeral took a tense turn when Lamu County Woman Representative Monicah Muthoni Marubu took the microphone and expressed political support in a highly charged manner.

Marubu began her address with condolences. She thanked a previous speaker, Munyoro, and spoke directly to the Gakuya family.

“Kwa familia ya rafiki yangu Bazenga, kwanza nasema pole kwa kupoteza mama,” she said. “Najua mama ni kitengo muhimu sana katika familia. Langu ni kuwaomba tafadhali wewe na ndugu zako muendelee kushirikiana.”

She then introduced herself, stating she is the Woman Representative for Lamu County and is known as Muthoni.

“Originally my parents are from here Murang’a, Maragua.” She praised the local infrastructure, noting the smooth roads and electricity supply, contrasting it with challenges in Lamu.

“Mimi nimefurahishwa na stima mko nayo hapa. Nyinyi watu wa Mt Kenya West, nimekuja kurealize nyinyi wakikuyu wa Mt Kenya West, mungu anajua sisi wakikuyu wa diaspora hatufanani. Shida zetu sio kama shida zenu. Ingawa wazazi wetu walitoka huku, nyinyi mnaonekana mshafika Singapore,” she said.

Politics sparks funeral chaos

The mood shifted when she moved to politics.

“Mimi kama Muthoni mimi nawaambia mimi sio wa Wantam. Mimi ni wa Tutam kwa sababu… Mimi Muthoni ni wa Tutam.”

Her remarks provoked an immediate reaction from mourners. Videos shared online showed people heckling and booing her, disrupting what was meant to be a solemn funeral service.

The funeral also drew several opposition figures. Nairobi Senator and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna attended alongside former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Other leaders present included Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, Nyandarua Senator John Muhia Methu, Embakasi South MP Julius Mawathe, and Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara.