A memorial service meant to honour Ol Kalou MP David Njuguna Kiaraho turned politically charged on Wednesday after Nyandarua Senator John Methu appeared to snub Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in his remark.
Methu, who had been allowed to address mourners, instead recognised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as the “people’s deputy president”, a statement that electrified a section of the crowd.
Supporters rose in applause and cheers, briefly disrupting the otherwise solemn ceremony.
Kindiki was present at the event, which was also attended by President William Ruto.
Methu began by recognising the President before turning to Gachagua.
“My party leader, and the people’s deputy president Rigathi Gachagua,” he said amid cheers.
The Head of State arrived alongside National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano and several elected leaders.
The service unfolded against a backdrop of heightened political tension, with Ruto and Gachagua sharing the same podium for the first time in a charged public setting since their widely publicised fallout.
Earlier, tension had already gripped the venue after security officers blocked some leaders from accessing the VIP section.
A senior police officer was overheard instructing colleagues to allow only Gachagua entry.
“You, what is it? Just allow Gachagua to walk in, but do not allow others to pass,” a policewoman was heard directing as leaders arrived at the high-profile event.
Methu, a close ally of Gachagua, initially complied with the directive and stepped back.
However, he returned moments later, indicating that access had been granted.
A video circulating online later showed Methu and Gachagua walking into the VIP section side by side, suggesting the situation had been resolved.
In the days leading up to the memorial, Gachagua had warned allies of the President against any attempts to block his attendance, insisting he had every right to be present.
He described Nyandarua as his political backyard and maintained he would attend regardless of opposition.
Speaking on April 5, Gachagua reaffirmed his intention to be at the service, setting the stage for what many observers anticipated would be a politically sensitive gathering.
The late Kiaraho had been an influential political figure in the region.
Kiaraho died on March 29, 2026, at Nairobi Hospital at the age of 62.
Born on October 2, 1963, he was a trained architect and a graduate of the University of Nairobi, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture.
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