Nyaribari Chache Member of Parliament Zaheer Jhanda has distanced himself from the chaos that marred a funeral in Amariba, Kisii County, insisting he had no role in the disruptions.
Speaking to residents shortly after walking out of the burial ceremony of a former MP’s mother, Jhanda dismissed claims linking him to the unrest. He said he was born and raised in Kisii and has every right to serve the people who elected him, regardless of his skin color.
“I schooled at Cardinal Otunga High School. The color of my skin should not be used by selfish politicians to discriminate against me. The people of Nyaribari Chache entrusted me with their votes, and if my opponents want to challenge me, let them wait until 2027 and face me at the ballot,” Jhanda declared.
The funeral, which had drawn several political leaders, descended into chaos after rival factions among mourners clashed—one group chanting in support of former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i while another called for President William Ruto’s re-election in 2027.
The confrontations reportedly turned violent after hired goons attacked some attendees, leaving several people injured.
Other leaders, including Education CS Ezekiel Machogu, Kisii Senator Sam Ongeri, Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi, and Bobasi MP Innocent Obiri, condemned the incident.
“Chaos in funerals is not our thing. We strongly denounce any acts that disrupt such solemn occasions,” said Kibagendi.
Jhanda maintained that his development record speaks for itself, and it will be up to the electorate to decide his political future.
