This archive report was first published on 8 September 2019.
On September 8, 2019, a church fundraiser in Muranga County took an unexpected turn when MPs allied to the Tanga Tanga and Kieleweke groups clashed over who should preside over the event.
The incident occurred after Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro stormed the event, which the Kieleweke faction had been invited to and vowed to take over the ceremony, as it was being held in his constituency.
Mr. Nyoro, a member of the Tangatanga faction that roots for Deputy President William Ruto's 2022 presidential bid, arrived late for the Sunday function after over 20 members allied to Kieleweke had taken their seats.
He found nominated MP Maina Kamanda introducing his team and waited for his turn, but when he took over the microphone, Mr. Nyoro said he was the area MP and hence would be the one to invite the guests to speak, a move that was objected to by Mr. Kamanda.
Chaos erupted as Mr. Nyoro's supporters rushed to his side, thinking he was being arrested, and the church became unruly for about ten minutes.
Church leaders desperately tried to calm the chaotic congregation, with the priest in charge, Fr. John Kibuuru, pleading with the congregation to maintain calm.
Calm was eventually restored after about 10 minutes, but not before the incident had sparked heated debate among the congregation, with some supporting Mr. Kamanda's claim that the Kieleweke team had been invited and not Mr. Nyoro.
