Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged leaders to avoid turning funerals into political arenas, calling for respect, calm, and sensitivity when attending mourning events, as tensions emerged during the funeral of Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho in Nyandarua County.
Speaking during the memorial service on Wednesday, Kindiki said such occasions should remain focused on supporting grieving families rather than being used for political exchange. He stressed that leaders across the political divide should show restraint and uphold dignity during moments of loss.
“Fellow leaders I encourage that we learn how to respect families, communities,” Kindiki said, highlighting the need for sensitivity when engaging with bereaved families.
Mourners attending the funeral service of the Late Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho at Ol Kalou Stadium in Nyandarua County on April 8, 2026.PHOTO/PCS
He further noted that political discussions should be conducted in appropriate spaces and not during mourning gatherings. “I want to request that we put down political temperatures to allow mourning, because we have a lot of opportunities to do politics outside the church and outside events like this one,” he stated.
Kindiki added that funerals and memorial services should remain spaces for unity, compassion, and emotional support rather than platforms for political contestation.
His remarks came after drama was witnessed at the same funeral when Nyandarua Senator John Methu was removed twice from the podium while addressing mourners.
Methu had defended former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua while at the same time criticising President William Ruto and other leaders over development issues in the region.
Despite interruptions, he insisted on speaking, pointing to what he described as unmet promises on local projects. “As the senator here… we were at Mama Kimathi’s place, and you said that the road from here, Kinamba to Karangatha up to Haraka, would be tarmacked, but it hasn’t been done. What kind of politics have I been playing?” he asked.
He added that leaders have a duty to speak openly to the Head of State. “Your friends did not tell you the truth. As leaders, our job is to tell you where things have not gone well,” he said.
Addressing Rigathi Gachagua, Methu encouraged him to feel welcome in Nyandarua and assured him of local support. “My leader Rigathi Gachagua, I am telling you to feel at home while you are here in Ol Kalou… I want to assure you that while you are here, you need not worry,” he said.
He further contrasted Gachagua’s reception in Nairobi with the support he receives locally. “You were impeached in Nairobi, but here, in the hearts of the people present, you are their leader,” Methu added.
