The Kenya Women Senators Association (KEWOSA) has strongly condemned an incident of political harassment and intimidation that occurred during a funeral ceremony in Murang’a County, describing it as a dangerous erosion of democratic values and public decency.
In a statement dated January 4, 2026, KEWOSA said the incident took place during the burial of the late matriarch, the mother of Makomboki MCA Hon. Gakuya, where Hon. Muthoni Marubu was allegedly harassed and intimidated by hired goons.
The women senators expressed deep concern that a solemn funeral — a sacred communal space meant to honour the dead and comfort the bereaved — was turned into an arena of political hostility and disorder.
“Such conduct not only disgraces the memory of the departed but also offends our shared cultural values of respect, dignity and humanity,” KEWOSA said, adding that no political ambition or disagreement can justify the desecration of a moment of collective mourning.
The association strongly denounced the use of violence, intimidation and organised goonism as tools of political engagement, terming the actions cowardly, retrogressive and fundamentally incompatible with democratic practice.
KEWOSA noted that the targeting of a woman leader was particularly alarming and reflective of growing intolerance towards women’s participation in public and political life.
Citing Articles 33 and 38 of the Constitution, KEWOSA reaffirmed that while Kenyans enjoy the right to freedom of expression and political participation, these rights do not extend to intimidation, coercion or violence. The group warned that such acts violate the constitutional principles of peaceful and fair political competition as outlined under Article 81.
The senators further raised concern over the increasing normalization of political aggression, especially violence directed at women leaders, warning that such a culture has no place in a mature democratic society.
As the country edges closer to the 2027 General Election, KEWOSA called on political leaders, their supporters and community stakeholders to exercise restraint, uphold the rule of law and ensure public spaces remain safe, inclusive and respectful.
“Funerals must never be exploited as arenas for political confrontation or intimidation,” the statement read.
KEWOSA also expressed solidarity with Hon. Muthoni Marubu and all women leaders who continue to face harassment in the course of public service, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the dignity, safety and full participation of women in Kenya’s political life.