A funeral ceremony in Kyamuoso, Ilima Ward in Kaiti Constituency turned into a politically tense moment on Saturday after Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. appeared to confront Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo over remarks allegedly contained in a leaked audio recording that has sparked heated debate within Wiper Party ranks.
The two leaders attended the burial of the mother of Bishop Jonathan Muthoka, the Deputy Majority Leader in the Makueni County Assembly and MCA for Ilima Ward, where Maanzo had earlier shared images confirming his presence alongside Governor Mutula, members of the Muthoka family, and other political leaders.
However, the sombre occasion was overshadowed by an alleged leaked audio clip that has been circulating online, in which Senator Maanzo is purportedly heard making disparaging remarks about several senior Wiper figures, including Governor Mutula, his wife Anita Mutula, Makueni Woman Representative Rose Museo, Wiper-nominated MCA Kanzala Kana, and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
The authenticity of the recording has not been independently verified, and Senator Maanzo has not publicly responded to the allegations.
Tensions surfaced during the funeral when Governor Mutula made remarks widely interpreted as a direct response to the controversy, saying: “You cannot insult the woman who takes care of my children when I am busy working for Makueni.”
The governor further expressed strong displeasure over the alleged attacks on his family, a statement that drew attention among mourners and political leaders present at the event.
The incident has now escalated into a broader political storm, exposing apparent rifts within the Wiper Democratic Movement in Makueni County and raising questions about internal party cohesion ahead of future political contests in Ukambani.
As pressure mounts, attention is now shifting to whether Senator Maanzo will publicly address the allegations linked to the leaked audio and clarify his position on the claims circulating online.
The developments at the funeral underscore growing political tensions in the region, turning what was meant to be a solemn occasion into a moment of political reckoning for two of Makueni’s most prominent leaders.
