Nguni Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Jeremiah Mutua has come out fighting, categorically dismissing viral reports that he was physically assaulted during a chaotic burial ceremony in Kitui County. The legislator terms the allegations as "political propaganda" engineered by his rivals to humiliate him.

The drama unfolded over the weekend when a video surfaced online showing a scuffle near the podium. In the clip, tempers flared as the MCA was heard chanting "Tutam...!", a phrase interpreted by some onlookers as a provocative political slogan. The situation quickly degenerated into a shoving match, forcing mourners to scamper for safety. However, speaking to the press this morning, Mutua painted a different picture of the events.

The "Tutam" Controversy

"I was not beaten, I was not touched," Mutua declared, flanked by his supporters. "The pushing you saw was my security detail ensuring I had space to address the people. My chant of 'Tutam' was not an insult. It is a call for recognition—Tutamtambua (We shall recognize him)—referring to our preferred leader for the 2027 cycle."

• Burial Politics: The incident highlights the growing menace of "funeral politics" in Ukambani, where solemn send-offs are increasingly hijacked for political supremacy battles.
• The Rivalry: Sources on the ground indicate the scuffle was sparked by a clash between Mutua’s supporters and those of a rival faction within the County Assembly, vying for dominance in the ward.

A Pattern of Intolerance

This is not an isolated incident in Kitui’s volatile political scene. The assembly has been rocked by leadership wrangles in recent months, with the "Tutam" slogan becoming a flashpoint for division. While Mutua insists he walked away unscathed, the video evidence suggests a leader under siege. As the 2027 drums begin to beat, the sanctity of burials in Kitui seems to be the first casualty of war.