The Chief Officer for Finance and Revenue Allocation in the Kitui County Government CPA John Makau, has strongly refuted allegations that he, together with Dr. Mbaya Kimwele, the County Minister for Agriculture, orchestrated an attack during the burial of the late mother of Nuu Ward MCA Judith Wanza last Saturday in Nuu Ward, Mwingi Central Sub-County.
The claims emerged after Nguni Ward MCA Jeremiah Mutua was reportedly attacked by armed individuals during the ceremony.
According to statements circulating on social media and in some posts attributed to local sources, the assailants were allegedly “goons” brought to the event to cause chaos — allegations that some online commentators linked to senior county officials present at the burial.
However, in a firm rebuttal, CPA Makau described the assertions as false, inflammatory and lacking evidence. He maintained that neither he nor Dr. Kimwele had any role in planning, financing or facilitating any disruption at the funeral.
Makau emphasised that county leaders attended the burial purely to pay last respects and stand in solidarity with the bereaved family, warning against the politicisation of funerals. He urged leaders and members of the public to allow security agencies to conduct investigations without spreading unverified claims.
Nguni Ward MCA Jeremiah Mutua sustained injuries after being attacked during the burial ceremony shortly after addressing mourners. Mutua stated that the attack occurred unexpectedly and involved individuals who disrupted the event by throwing objects and physically confronting him.
The MCA alleged that the assault was politically motivated, noting that some of the individuals involved were captured in video footage that has since circulated widely on social media platforms. He further claimed that the attackers were not residents of the immediate area — allegations that are yet to be independently verified by law enforcement agencies.
Following the incident, leaders and members of the public called on security agencies to swiftly investigate the violence and identify those responsible. The attack has renewed concerns over rising political intolerance in Kitui County, particularly during public gatherings.
Police are yet to issue a detailed statement on the matter, including whether arrests have been made or suspects identified. Community leaders have urged calm, stressing the need to respect the sanctity of funerals and resolve political disagreements through lawful and peaceful means.
