The Clerk of the Kisumu County Assembly, Owen Ojuok, has condemned what he described as a growing culture of violence at funerals in parts of the county, accusing politicians of turning mourning events into arenas for political confrontation.
Speaking during the funeral of Jack Omondi Ongou in Muhoroni Constituency on Saturday, Ojuok said bereaved families were increasingly being subjected to unnecessary disruption as politicians used funeral gatherings to settle personal and political scores.
“It is quite sad to see very young people losing lives in the course of political confrontations involving leaders who align to different formations,” he said.
The clerk cited an incident at the funeral in which Muhoroni parliamentary aspirant Robert Nyasuna allegedly arrived with a large group of youths, triggering a commotion as church leaders prepared to take charge of the proceedings.
Ojuok pointed that some youths forced their way onto the podium while others pushed mourners as they entered the tent, causing a stampede and disrupting the solemn occasion.
“Funerals are solemn occasions which require calm and respect for both the departed and the bereaved,” he said, adding that such conduct was disrespectful and contrary to the spirit of mourning.
Ojuok urged political leaders to focus on creating employment opportunities for young people rather than using them to advance political interests through acts of intimidation and violence.
He warned that many young people had lost their lives during political confrontations and described the trend as worrying as the country moves closer to the next general election.
The clerk’s remarks come amid growing concern over political disruptions at public gatherings in the region.
Last month, chaotic scenes were witnessed during the burial of Eliud Wambora, the father of Seme MP James Nyikal, when Siaya Governor James Orengo was forced to leave the venue after rowdy youths disrupted his speech while chanting two terms slogans.
Witnesses said Orengo’s security team was forced to evacuate him from the event as the situation deteriorated.
Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda, who had arrived earlier accompanied by a group of youths, was also present at the burial.
Nyikal condemned the incident, saying his son was nearly injured during the ensuing stampede.
The head of the Anglican Diocese of Maseno South, Reverend Charles Onginjo, who presided over the burial service, also criticised the disruption, alongside Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga.
Among leaders attending the Muhoroni funeral were Ojienda, Odinga, former Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma and Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor.
Jack Omondi Ongou was a brother of former Kisumu County Assembly Majority Leader Samuel Ongou.
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