The outspoken lawmaker made the comments during the burial service of the late Ann Nyatoro Ndung’u, mother of Kanini Kega, held in Kieni, Nyeri County on Thursday, May 14, 2026.
During his address, Mukunji questioned the amount of money allegedly used by the government to host Macron during the Africa Forward Summit held in Nairobi on May 11 and 12.
The MP claimed that the government had spent nearly KSh7 billion on the high-profile visit, arguing that the expenditure was excessive at a time when many Kenyans are struggling with the high cost of living.
According to Mukunji, the spending reflected misplaced priorities within the current administration.
He further sparked reactions after referring to France as a country facing economic challenges and claimed that some African nations that were once under French colonial influence had increasingly distanced themselves from Paris in recent years.
His remarks immediately generated mixed reactions among mourners and political leaders attending the funeral ceremony.
While some residents appeared to support his criticism of government spending, others felt the funeral setting was not appropriate for intense political exchanges.
Despite the criticism, Mukunji later defended his comments, insisting that leaders have a responsibility to speak openly about public expenditure and national priorities.
The burial ceremony itself remained largely peaceful, with family members, religious leaders, and politicians focusing on celebrating the life of the late Ann Nyatoro Ndung’u, who was remembered as a devoted mother and respected community figure.
Leaders present at the event repeatedly called for restraint in political speeches during funerals, urging politicians to maintain dignity and respect for grieving families regardless of political differences.
Several speakers emphasized the need for national unity and respectful dialogue as political temperatures continue rising ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The remarks by Mukunji have since continued to circulate widely across political discussions, especially online, where Kenyans remain sharply divided over the government’s spending priorities and foreign relations strategy.
President Ruto’s administration has recently intensified efforts to position Kenya as a major diplomatic and investment hub in Africa through international conferences and high-level state visits.
Supporters of the government argue that hosting global leaders strengthens Kenya’s economic partnerships and international standing.
Critics, however, maintain that such events should be balanced against the country’s economic realities, including unemployment, rising fuel prices, and pressure on ordinary households.
The Africa Forward Summit attracted several African and international leaders to Nairobi and was viewed by the government as an important diplomatic success for Kenya’s regional influence.
However, opposition-aligned politicians have continued using the event to question state spending and broader economic management under the Kenya Kwanza administration.
As political realignments continue taking shape across the country, Mukunji’s remarks highlight the growing tension between government allies and critics over public spending, governance, and the direction of Kenya’s foreign policy engagements.
