Lamu Women Rep Breaks Silence After Being Escorted To Safety At Murang’a Funeral

Lamu County Woman Representative Monicah Marubu has spoken out after a dramatic incident at a funeral service in Murang’a County, where she was escorted to safety following a hostile reaction from mourners. 

The incident occurred on Saturday, January 3, during the burial ceremony of Alice Wangari Gakuya, the mother of Embakasi North Member of Parliament James Gakuya.

The funeral service, held at Makomboki Primary School grounds in Kigumo, attracted several national and local political leaders, turning the solemn occasion into a politically charged gathering.

Tensions rose when Marubu took to the podium to deliver her condolences and briefly ventured into political commentary.

While addressing the crowd, Marubu referenced President William Ruto’s “Singapore” development narrative, pointing to what she described as visible progress in Murang’a County under the current administration. 

Her remarks were interpreted by sections of the audience as an endorsement of the president’s leadership at a time when political emotions in the region remain heightened.

She further intensified the reaction by making remarks on presidential term limits, stating that she aligned herself with leaders who support a two-term presidency. 

The statement immediately triggered loud heckling from mourners, drowning out her speech and forcing her to cut her address short.

As the situation escalated, event marshals intervened, switching off the microphone and escorting Marubu away from the podium to prevent the confrontation from turning chaotic. 

The interruption caused a brief pause in the proceedings as other leaders stepped in to calm the crowd and restore order.

Following the incident, Marubu reassured her supporters through social media, confirming that she was unharmed and safe. 

Her message sought to downplay the drama while thanking those who assisted her during the tense moment.

The episode highlighted the growing sensitivity surrounding political expressions at public and emotionally charged events, particularly funerals, which increasingly double as platforms for political messaging. 

Observers noted that shifting political loyalties and regional sentiments ahead of the 2027 General Election have made such gatherings unpredictable.

Despite the disruption, the funeral service eventually resumed, allowing family members, friends, and leaders to continue paying their final respects to the late Alice Gakuya. 

Marubu, who is serving her first term as Lamu County Woman Representative after her election in 2022, has since remained silent on whether the incident will influence her approach to future public engagements.