NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Nairobi Town Clerk Philip Kisia has taken a swing at National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, accusing him of disrespecting Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya during the burial of Mama Anna Nanyama Wetang’ula.
The confrontation erupted after Natembeya alleged that the Kenya Kwanza government was behind a series of forced disappearances, a claim Ichung’wah quickly dismissed as propaganda.
But Kisia wasn’t having it—calling out the government’s failure to address abductions while demanding respect for leaders, especially at solemn events like funerals.
Tensions flared at the funeral after Natembeya took the stage and called on President William Ruto to come clean on allegations of state-sponsored abductions.
He didn’t hold back, criticizing the administration for silencing its critics instead of addressing public discontent.
“For a leader to stand here and claim people are abducting and killing themselves is unfortunate,” Natembeya declared, urging the government to put an end to the mysterious disappearances.
Ichung’wah, however, was quick to fire back, dismissing the accusations and challenging Natembeya to provide evidence.
“If you know who is behind these kidnappings, you were once a senior government officer. Take the information to the DCI (Directorate of Criminal Investigations) so they can investigate instead of spreading falsehoods,” Ichung’wah responded.
Philip Kisia entered the fray, denouncing Ichung’wah’s remarks and insisting that funerals should never be political battlefields.
“I strongly condemn the disrespect shown to Governor Natembeya by a young man from Kiambu during the funeral,” Kisia stated. “As a peaceful community, we won’t tolerate such behavior.”
Beyond demanding respect, Kisia pressed the government for answers on recent disappearances.
“We haven’t forgotten the innocent Gen Z lives lost last June. Respect their memory and let their graves dry,” he said, referring to last year’s protests where several young activists were reportedly abducted or killed. “The government must account for every missing person.”
The clash at the funeral isn’t just about forced disappearances—it’s a political fault line that exposes deeper tensions within Kenya’s leadership.
As calls for accountability grow louder, the government faces increasing pressure to address concerns about human rights violations rather than dismissing critics.
