Senator Ali Roba faced a tough reception in Kitui after attacking former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a public event.
The incident happened when Senator Roba was addressing a gathering, and his remarks against Gachagua sparked immediate anger among the crowd.
Witnesses said the heckling started as soon as he accused Gachagua of being dishonest in his political statements.
Chants from sections of the audience interrupted his speech, forcing him to pause several times to regain control.
The senator had claimed that Gachagua’s recent statements on national leadership were misleading and divisive.
He alleged that Gachagua was intentionally spreading false information to tarnish the image of the government.
However, many in the audience seemed to view Roba’s remarks as an unnecessary personal attack.
The tension at the event was visible, with some attendees waving placards showing support for Gachagua.
Event organisers tried to calm the crowd, but the heckling continued for several minutes.
Security officers were seen moving closer to the podium to ensure the senator’s safety.
Roba attempted to defend his position by saying he was only speaking the truth about Gachagua’s conduct.
He urged the public to focus on unity rather than political gossip and divisions.
Despite his efforts, the reaction from the crowd showed deep political loyalty towards Gachagua in the region.
Some local leaders present at the event avoided commenting on the incident, saying it was a sensitive matter.
Political analysts say the episode shows how polarised the political environment has become in some parts of the country.
They believe leaders who openly criticise Gachagua risk facing hostility in areas where he enjoys strong grassroots support.
Gachagua himself has been vocal in criticising government policies and some senior officials.
His supporters see him as a defender of ordinary citizens and a whistleblower on governance issues.
Critics, however, accuse him of using provocative statements to create unnecessary political tension.
The clash in Kitui has sparked debate on whether political leaders should focus more on development agendas than personal rivalries.
Some citizens have called for tolerance and respectful dialogue among leaders with differing opinions.
Others argue that criticism is a normal part of politics and should not provoke hostile reactions.
Senator Roba has not issued a formal statement after the Kitui incident, but his team says he stands by his remarks.
The event has left the political scene charged, with speculation on whether more confrontations could arise in future rallies.
By Nairobi