Two Kisii MPs clash over Ruto and Matiang’i

In Kisii County, a tense altercation erupted between two lawmakers at a community event, underscoring local fractures ahead of the 2027 general election. Antony Kibagendi (MP for Kitutu Chache South) and Japheth Nyakundi (MP for Kitutu Chache North) clashed over political loyalties: Kibagendi publicly criticised President William Ruto’s administration and threw support behind former Interior Minister Fred Matiang’i, while Nyakundi defended Ruto and accused his colleague of undermining national leadership. The confrontation, which included a near physical altercation over a microphone, sent shock‑waves through the local political scene.
The incident took place during a funeral service in Marani, where Kibagendi seized the moment to lambast the government’s performance and promote Matiang’i’s potential candidacy for State House. Nyakundi interrupted the speech, attempted to grab the microphone and insisted that such campaigns had no place at a funeral. Both camps confirmed rising tension within the region’s political ranks, with analysts noting the episode reflects broader jockeying for influence in Kisii and the shifting dynamics of regional alliances as aspirants prepare for 2027.
Reactions from constituents and party insiders were swift. Some local residents expressed dismay that a solemn ceremony was overshadowed by political grandstanding, while others viewed the clash as a dramatic sign of how deeply the race for the presidency is already influencing county‑level contests. Political strategists suggest that Kibagendi’s defection from tradition‑aligned loyalties to backing Matiang’i may indicate an ambitious bid to ride emerging momentum, while Nyakundi’s forceful defence of Ruto positions him as the region’s gatekeeper for the ruling coalition.
Looking ahead, the Kisii standoff could foreshadow more intense rivalry in the region, where multiple contenders aim to tap into its vote‑rich potential. The public nature of the clash may force local party structures to reconcile divisions or risk fragmenting voter bases. As the 2027 election looms, whether these Kisii MPs can manage their differences and mobilise support will become a key test of regional political strategy and alliance‑building.