Visibly angry, Sirisia Member of Parliament (MP) John Waluke confronted a rowdy group of youths who were heckling him and causing disruptions during the burial of Vihiga MP Ernest Kivai’s wife, Ms Catherine Kagesi, at Kigadahi Village in Vihiga County on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

The MP faced the youths head-on after they began heckling him the moment he took the microphone, disrupting his attempt to address the mourners. As the heckling and noise intensified, Waluke was forced to respond directly to the crowd, firmly stating that he could not be intimidated by such disturbances.

“Hio kelele yenu ni kidogo, na sio ati mtakuwa mnapiga kelele kwa gate pale; hapa kuna vijana wengi ambao wametulia na wanataka wasikize viongozi, kwani nyinyi ni nani, kwani nyinyi ni Vihiga, Vihiga ni hawa ambao wametulia,” Waluke said.

Without holding back, he lashed out at the agitated group, telling them to take their noise and foolishness elsewhere. He pointed out that many people at the funeral were calm and willing to listen to speeches, questioning the youths on why they thought they were behaving in such a disrespectful manner.

He went on to emphasise that Vihiga is made up of decent people who respect order, not those causing endless disruptions. He urged the youths to show respect for the solemn nature of the event and the presence of the church, urging them to refrain from making noise.

Waluke asserted his authority as the Western MPs Caucus Chairman, making it clear that he would not tolerate such behaviour from the youths. He dismissed their actions, highlighting that women form the majority of voters in Kenya and that their rights must be safeguarded.

“Tunataka mheshimu kanisa, tunataka mheshimu wazee, tunataka mheshimu viongozi. Mimi ni chairman wa Western Region Caucus, na sitakubali vijana wadogo mnasimama hapa alafu ati mnatishatisha watu. Hapana, hatutakubali hio,” he stated further.

In a strong conclusion, he cursed the youths, warning them that just as they disrupted leaders during funerals, the same would be done to them when their time comes.

“Na vile mnapiga kelele kwa matanga ya mama hivi hata kwenu mtakuwa na shida na mtapigiwa kelele, hata kwa matanga yenu,” he concluded.

Wetang’ula’s reaction

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who was also present at the funeral, condemned the incident when he rose to speak. He called on the youths to respect their leaders and maintain decorum, especially during such solemn occasions.

“Hatuezi kuja mbele ya wananchi tuanze kuvuliana nguo na kutupiana maneno. Nimekuwa mbunge tangia enzi ya Moi, vijana tuheshimu!” Wetangula said.