Siaya Governor James Orengo has condemned the disruption of a funeral ceremony in Seme, Kisumu County, terming the incident as uncouth and unacceptable.
Orengo was speaking after chaos broke out during the burial of Eliud Nyikal Okaka, father to Seme MP James Nyikal, at Ridore Primary School.
In a statement shared later, Orengo expressed gratitude to the people of Seme for what he described as a warm and heroic welcome as he joined them to pay his last respects.
However, he sharply criticized the disorder that interrupted the solemn occasion.
“It is both shameful and a national disgrace that a solemn send-off could be disrupted,” Orengo said, blaming the chaos on goons allegedly unleashed to intimidate mourners.
The governor said the situation became so tense that clergy were forced to cut the service short and proceed with an immediate burial without speeches in order to preserve order and dignity.
According to witnesses, a group of rowdy youths stormed the venue chanting “two terms” slogans and advanced towards where Orengo was seated. The situation escalated when some of them began hurling stones, forcing security officers to whisk him away from the scene.
Earlier, the governor had been warmly received by those gathered before the fracas ensued.
Despite the disruption, Orengo maintained a defiant tone, insisting that intimidation and violence would not silence the Linda Mwananchi Movement.
“No amount of intimidation, no teargas, no hired chaos, and no acts of desperation will silence the Linda Mwananchi Movement,” he said, describing the movement as “unstoppable, unshaken, and unwavering” in defending the voice of Kenyans.
Other leaders present at the funeral also weighed in on the unfolding political tensions.
Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga called for unity between rival factions, urging both Linda Mwananchi and Linda Ground groups to put aside their differences.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who also serves as ODM chairperson, reiterated support for President William Ruto’s re-election bid, adding that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga had guided them into the broad-based government.
Among other leaders in attendance were Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko, and Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda.
Leave a comment