In a recent incident in Kakamega County, former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa and Matungu Member of Parliament Peter Nabulindo have been summoned by local authorities following a violent disruption at a funeral.
The chaos erupted during the burial of retired Chief Gerald Odongo in Matungu, where supporters of various political factions clashed, leading to injuries and property damage.
The altercation began when Governor Fernandes Barasa arrived at the funeral, accompanied by his supporters.
Tensions escalated as supporters of Echesa and Nabulindo confronted those of the governor, resulting in a physical confrontation that left more than 100 people injured.
Among the injured were a police officer and Mayoni Ward Member of County Assembly, Frederick Watitwa.
In response to the incident, Western Region Police Commander Kiprono Langat announced that Echesa, Nabulindo, and Governor Barasa are required to present themselves at the Kakamega Police headquarters for questioning regarding their roles in the unrest.
The authorities have already arrested two individuals allegedly involved in the violence and have initiated an operation to apprehend others responsible.
The bereaved family expressed deep disappointment over the disruption of the funeral. Patrick Lutta, the son of the late Chief Odongo, lamented that the ceremony had been meticulously planned, but political tensions overshadowed the solemn occasion.
He noted that trouble began early in the day when attendees occupied VIP seats, leading to disputes upon the arrival of invited guests.
The situation deteriorated further with the successive arrivals of the politicians, culminating in chaos that denied the family the opportunity to properly eulogize their patriarch.
Governor Barasa condemned the violence, attributing the chaos to Echesa and his supporters. He emphasized that the late Chief Odongo, a respected community leader, deserved a dignified send-off, free from political turmoil.
Conversely, Echesa refuted these allegations, accusing Governor Barasa of instigating the disruption by bringing in unruly youths to intimidate other leaders.
This incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with community leaders and residents calling for an end to the politicization of funerals.
Many have expressed concern over the increasing trend of political rivalries spilling over into solemn occasions, thereby disrupting the peace and sanctity traditionally accorded to such events.
The clergy and local elders have urged politicians to exercise restraint and respect for mourning families, emphasizing that funerals should not be arenas for political confrontations.
In a notable move, the family of the late Chief Odongo returned monetary contributions and a cow donated by the politicians involved in the fracas.
They stated that this action serves as a lesson to leaders who exploit funerals for political gain, asserting that their father’s funeral was not a platform for political agendas.
The authorities have reiterated their commitment to thoroughly investigate the incident and hold accountable those responsible for inciting and participating in the violence.
The community awaits the outcomes of these investigations, hoping for justice and a restoration of respect for cultural and social norms during such significant occasions.
