A heated confrontation involving former Attorney General Justin Muturi at a polling station has drawn sharp condemnation from National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, who declared the former Speaker’s actions have damaged the dignity of Parliament. The incident occurred during a tense by-election in Mbeere North constituency.

The fallout strikes at the heart of questions about the conduct of senior leaders and the example they set in Kenya’s charged political landscape. For the average Kenyan, it raises concerns about whether leaders can maintain civility and respect democratic processes, which are crucial for peaceful elections and stable governance that ultimately affects economic stability.

A Public Confrontation Ignites Fury

The controversy erupted on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at a polling station in Siakago, where Mr. Muturi was reportedly involved in a near-physical clash with a young man. The altercation, which quickly circulated, prompted a severe rebuke from his successor in the Kenya Kwanza administration, Mr. Ichung’wah.

Speaking from the floor of the National Assembly, Ichung’wah did not mince words. “JB Muturi has diminished not only himself but also the integrity of this House,” he stated. “I am deeply ashamed to have had a Speaker who could behave in such a manner.” He emphasized that the office of the Speaker is the third most powerful in the country and demands a higher standard of behaviour.

Ichung’wah warned Muturi against intimidating voters, urging him to “allow the people of Mbeere North to make their own electoral choices.”

A Pattern of Political Friction

This public rebuke is the latest chapter in a simmering political feud between the two figures. Earlier in the year, Ichung’wah dismissed allegations from Muturi that the National Intelligence Service (NIS) had abducted his son, terming the claims as politically motivated. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Ichung’wah suggested Muturi had a “beef” with President William Ruto and knew he was “on his way out” of government.

This long-running tension adds a significant layer of context to the current criticism, suggesting it is not merely a reaction to a single event but part of a deeper political schism within the ruling coalition. Other leaders have also weighed in, with Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei calling for Muturi's arrest and for the Law Society of Kenya to disbar him over the incident, which he called a “national embarrassment.”

• Justin Muturi's Career: Served as Speaker of the National Assembly from 2013 to 2022.
• Attorney General: Appointed as the government's chief legal advisor in October 2022, a role he held until July 2024.
• Political Allegiance: Joined the Kenya Kwanza coalition in April 2022 after shelving his own presidential ambitions.

Mr. Muturi, who served for over a decade in the judiciary before entering politics, has occupied some of Kenya's most powerful offices. His actions are therefore not just personal, but reflect on the institutions he once led.

As the political dust settles, the incident leaves a lingering question about the legacy of a man who has been a central figure in Kenyan law and politics. For now, the sharp critique from his own side of the political aisle marks a significant moment, leaving analysts to watch whether this public shaming will have lasting consequences for Muturi's future.