Lamu Women Representative Monicah Muthoni Marubu faced loud heckling and boos during a funeral in Murang’a County on January 3, 2026. The incident happened at the burial of Alice Wangari Gakuya, mother of Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, held at Makomboki Primary School grounds in Kigumo. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua attended the event, along with several senators and other leaders.
Muthoni took the microphone to speak. She praised infrastructure improvements in the Mt Kenya region, saying locals had good roads and electricity connections, comparing it to “Singapore,” a term often used by President William Ruto for his development vision. She then declared herself a “tutam” person, a slogan linked to supporting Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.
The crowd reacted right away. Boos and shouts interrupted her speech. Videos show people standing and jeering as she tried to continue. Some reports describe the mood turning tense, with Muthoni looking surprised.
Allies, including Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu and Nyandarua Senator John Methu, stepped in quickly. They surrounded her and helped her leave the stage for safety. A bishop leading the service called for calm.
Muthoni had to cut her remarks short and was escorted away. No injuries were reported, but the disruption shifted focus from the mourning. The funeral continued after the interruption.
This fits ongoing political divides in the Mt Kenya region. Gachagua, ousted in 2024, has criticized Ruto’s government. His supporters dominate many areas, including parts of Murang’a. Pro-Ruto voices, like Muthoni’s, sometimes face pushback at public events.
The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) condemned the heckling the next day. They called it political intimidation and harassment, saying it has no place even at funerals. Leaders urged respect for women in politics.
Former Law Society of Kenya president Nelson Havi also commented. He criticized Muthoni for bringing “tutam” chants to the event in front of Gachagua.
Muthoni represents Lamu, far from Murang’a, but attended as a colleague of MP Gakuya. She has supported Kenya Kwanza initiatives in Parliament.
Funerals in Kenya often draw politicians from across parties. Speeches usually stay respectful, focused on the deceased. This one turned political fast.
Videos of the moment spread widely online. Clips show the boos starting as soon as she mentioned “tutam.” Some titles exaggerated the chaos, but accounts confirm heavy heckling and a quick intervention.
Gachagua spoke later at the event without addressing the incident directly. He focused on condolences. Mt Kenya politics remains split post-2022 elections. Loyalty shifts play out at local gatherings.
Muthoni has not commented publicly yet on the heckling. Her team might address it soon. Events like this remind leaders to keep politics separate from family occasions. Mourners want peace during burials.
The region watches how alliances form ahead of future polls. For now, the funeral is remembered for both grief and the brief uproar.
