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Cheer, jeer after Sifuna, Jumwa showdown at funeral


Mixed reactions on social media greeted the ugly showdown between ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna and Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa at the funeral of Mombasa deputy governor William Kingi’s father.

Video clips of the incident show Sifuna addressing mourners at the funeral before he got interrupted by Jumwa as he tried to explain party rules that informed the legislator’s expulsion.

Jumwa, who was mceeing, told him he would not address mourners on party issues.

She then climbed to the podium and grabbed Sifuna’s mic, forcing him to walk back to the guest tent.

ODM party leader Raila Odinga’s son, Raila Junior has praised Sifuna for “avoiding and ignoring intimidation.”

“SG Edwin Sifuna you did well by avoiding and ignoring that type of intimidation directed your way in a funeral in Malindi, that’s the way to go. I must commend you for your bravery, congratulations!” Junior wrote.

Former Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale had a different opinion. He congratulated Jumwa.

“Honestly who is going 2 advice this greenhorn by th name of @edwinsifuna? We are making th @TheODMparty play ground so tiny that their jokers will have a very limited area where to fool Kenyans with tibim, tialala, etc. Congratulations @HonJumwa for ua commitment 2 th New Kenya,” tweeted Khalwale.

Lawyer Donald Kipkorir had a different opinion, writing; “Aisha Jumwa has repeatedly said she has abandoned ODM …. Today, she stopped Edwin Sifuna from speaking in a funeral ceremony… If she is man enough, let her resign from Parliament & re-contest on TangaTanga Party.”

Sifuna also added his voice, tweeting; “I would never get into a physical confrontation with a woman. Never have. Never will.”

Sifuna was however invited back to the podium by the bereaved deputy governor William Kingi who allowed him to conclude his speech.

Kingi told mourners Sifuna was in attendance as the representative of party leader Raila Odinga.