What began as a solemn farewell in Kakamega turned into a charged political showdown after former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala clashed with National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula at a funeral.
The incident took place on Thursday, August 28, at Imanda village in Manda Shivanga Ward, Malava Constituency, during the burial of former Bungoma High School Principal Enock Andanje. The late Andanje, who had left teaching to join politics, was reportedly seeking the UDA ticket to contest the Malava parliamentary seat left vacant after the death of MP Malulu Injendi.
Malala’s Attack on Wetang’ula
Taking to the podium, Malala accused Speaker Wetang’ula of presiding over a parliament riddled with corruption.
“Wetang’ula, you are the head of parliament. They are saying there is widespread corruption in your parliament. I want to tell you in your face—you must be accountable,” Malala declared, drawing loud cheers from mourners.
Tension rose when Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula attempted to cut him short, only for Malala’s microphone to be switched off. Prepared for the moment, Malala produced his own microphone connected to a car sound system, stunning the crowd.
“Savula stop with the issue of time. I am speaking about very important matters. Why switch off my microphone? I had anticipated this and came prepared,” he said, as the crowd erupted in cheers.
Wetang’ula and Mudavadi Respond
In his response, Wetang’ula dismissed Malala’s remarks as unnecessary theatrics, insisting that funerals should be about comforting families, not political attacks.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi also faulted Malala, saying he had arrived late but was still given time to speak, only to use the platform for political grandstanding instead of paying tribute to the deceased.
The incident has since sparked debate, with some leaders backing Malala’s outspokenness while others criticized him for turning a burial into a political battleground.
Meanwhile, calls for accountability in parliament continue to mount, with senators Edwin Sifuna and Moses Kajwang recently demanding that President William Ruto be summoned to address corruption allegations.
