Kitutu Chache South parliamentary hopeful Dr Felix Atisa, Thursday, strongly condemned the “culture of violent skirmishes” in various burials in Gusii region.

The aspirant making inroads into the constituency asked political leaders to exercise restraint and show respect for the bereaved families.

“Funerals and burials are sacred and should never be used as platforms for political showdowns. We are witnessing a shameful wave where the perpetrators are our elected leaders themselves. This is not only disrespectful to the grieving family but also a stain on the values we hold as a community,” said Atisa during an interview with journalists at Nakuru Athletics Club.

The hopeful spoke referring to a recent incident where Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi and his Kitutu Chache North counterpart Japhet Nyakundi openly clashed at the burial of the mother of former Kisii Governor James Ongwae.

Kibagendi is pro-Fred Matiang’i, a presidential hopeful, while Nyakundi, also national UDA Treasurer is among those pushing the two term William Ruto push in the region.

The region has continued to witness similar violent skirmishes in various burials including one in Bomachoge Chache where exchanges between Governor Simba Arati, then an MP in Dagoretti North and Silvanus Osoro (South Mugirango) went physical .

The Abagusii Cultural and Development Council of Elders, led by James Matundura, have since condemned the incidents as shameful, unfortunate and inconsiderate to the bereaved family.

They said burials are cultural events and should be free of politics, heckling, or the hiring of youths to cause disruptions.

They proposed rules for burials: no politics, no hired youths causing disruptions, no campaigning at funerals.

But in a society appearing to grow away from its past, the elders’ warnings often go unheeded.

On Thursday, Atisa termed the chaos as “disgraceful and shameful,” urging political leaders to rise above partisan differences during times of mourning.

He further appealed to local leaders and supporters to foster peace, especially as the 2027 general elections draw closer, warning that continued political intolerance could plunge the region into deeper divisions.

He reiterated his commitment to issue-based politics and urged his competitors to focus on development agendas rather than personal attacks and incitement.

On development, the Nakuru based gynecologists’, vowed to address the region’s lagging development if elected in the upcoming general elections.

He emphasized that poor infrastructure, youth unemployment, and inadequate access to basic services have hindered the constituency’s progress for years.

“Our people deserve better roads, better schools, and access to quality healthcare,” Dr. Atisa said.

“If given the mandate, I will bring leadership that listens, acts, and delivers on development.”

The seat is currently held by Kibagendi as current MP, but with the 2027 elections fast approaching, the political race in Kitutu Chache South is already gaining momentum.