Kenya Kwanza Leaders Fight Each in a Public Rally

A dramatic incident unfolded within Matsangoni Ward, Kilifi County, as tensions flared between the local Member of County Assembly (MCA), Hassan Mohammed, and Kilifi Woman Representative Gertrude Mbeyu.

This altercation captured on video and shared via Mbeyu’s social media channels showcased a charged moment.

In the video, Gertrude Mbeyu, a prominent figure from the Orange Democratic Movement, was addressing the community, visibly sidelining MCA Hassan Mohammed, who was standing nearby, eager to speak to the residents.

However, in a display of authority, the woman representative firmly instructed Mohammed, a member of the Kenya Kwanza coalition, to take a seat and await his turn.

This encounter stirred considerable public attention, shedding light on the power dynamics and political friction within Kilifi County’s local government.

The clash between the MCA and the Woman Representative in Matsangoni Ward underscored the complexities and disputes that can emerge in the realm of regional politics, making it a topic of discussion and scrutiny among local constituents and beyond.

“Have you seen how I look?” Are you trying to compete with me in my style of dressing,” she mocked the MCA amid laughter from the crowd. “Go and sit down so that I can speak,” she added.

Offended by the comments, the MCA pretended to be heading towards his seat before he grabbed the microphone from her.

Mbeyu’s security team immediately intervened and manhandled Mohammed, with one of the bodyguards choking and pulling him away from the scene.

Other security aides also rushed towards the MCA, whisking him away from the Woman Representative.

The situation escalated after one of the bodyguards withdrew a firearm while attempting to knock down Mohammed.

However, some of the MCA’s allies rushed to protect him from further danger. In turn, the emcee tried to restore order and bar politicians from addressing the attendees. 

Following the chaos, Mbeyu, who is a staunch Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) member, posted a photo on her social platform with the caption, “The MCA has joined politics recently and wants to steal the microphone. He has faced the music, full security [sic].”

The Coast region has been engaged in a supremacy battle, with the majority of the regions touted to belong to the Azimio coalition. 

During the 2022 elections, Hassan Mohammed was part of 15 MCAs from the Amason-Kingi-led Pamoja African Alliance (PAA) party to clinch their seats on their first attempts.

On the other hand, Mbeyu also won the parliamentary seat on her first attempt on an ODM ticket.