A women's parliamentary lobby has come out strongly to defend Lamu County Woman Representative Monicah Muthoni Marubu following her public humiliation at a funeral service in Murang'a.
The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) on Saturday January 3 condemned the Friday incident where mourners heckled and booed Marubu during the burial of Alice Wangari Gakuya at Makomboki village.
The dramatic confrontation unfolded when the legislator declared her political allegiance during her address.
Marubu had started on a somber note, offering condolences to her friend MP James Gakuya whose mother was being laid to rest.
She praised the local infrastructure and reconnected with her roots, noting her parents hailed from Murang'a.
The atmosphere changed when she made her political stand clear.
"I, as Muthoni, am telling you that I do not support the Wantam narrative. I support the Tutam one,"she declared.
Videos shared online captured mourners immediately erupting in protest, disrupting the funeral service after Marubu declared her political stance in an otherwise different political faction from hers.
KEWOPA Chairperson Hon Leah Sankaire issued a statement condemning the harassment.
"KEWOPA reiterates that violence, intimidation, heckling, or hostility against any leader, whether a woman or a man, has no place in Kenya's political or social spaces," Sankaire stated.
The association warned that public gatherings including funerals must never become arenas for political aggression.
KEWOPA cautioned that, although the constitution protects freedom of expression, this right does not permit actions that threaten the dignity or safety of others.
"Democracy is strengthened through dialogue, respect, and reasoned debate, not through intimidation or public disorder," the statement added.
The funeral drew several opposition leaders including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Other politicians present included Murang'a Senator Joe Nyutu, Nyandarua Senator John Muhia Methu, Embakasi South MP Julius Mawathe, and Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara.
The incident comes as political temperatures rise ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
