By Violet Auma.
The Wanga Council of Elders has issued summons to Matungu Member of Parliament Peter Nabulindo and former Sports Minister Rashid Echesa to appear before them following chaos that erupted during the burial of former Chibanga Chief, Agostino Odongo, last Saturday.
The elders, led by their Chairman Andrew Okumu, insist that the two leaders must take responsibility for the disruption and compensate for the damages caused during the fracas that left hundreds injured, including seven police officers.
According to witnesses, the funeral, which was supposed to be a solemn occasion to honor the late Chief Odongo, turned chaotic when rival political groups clashed in the presence of mourners.
The disorder left many attendees shaken, with reports of injuries and property destruction.
The Wanga elders, who play a critical role in preserving peace and order within the community, have now stepped in to demand accountability.
Speaking on behalf of the Council, Chairman Andrew Okumu said the elders were dismayed by the shameful acts witnessed during the burial.
He emphasized that funerals are sacred occasions among the Wanga people and should not be used as political battlegrounds.
“As custodians of our traditions and values, we cannot allow such acts of disrespect and hooliganism to go unpunished. We have therefore summoned the two leaders to appear before us, apologize to the bereaved family, and compensate those who suffered losses due to the chaos,” Okumu stated.
The Council’s directive has sent a strong message to political leaders in the region, warning them against turning public gatherings, especially funerals, into platforms for political confrontations.
The Wanga elders have also made it clear that failure to honor the summons will not be taken lightly.
Okumu warned that if Nabulindo and Echesa do not appear and take responsibility, the Council will impose severe consequences, though he did not specify the exact punitive measures.
“We expect them to heed our call and show remorse for their actions. If they fail to do so, we will take stern measures against them in line with our traditions,” Okumu asserted.
While the elders did not elaborate on the repercussions, sources within the Council hinted that traditional sanctions could be imposed, including social exclusion or ritualistic penalties meant to cleanse the community of political discord.
This comes a day after the deceased’s family returned a bull and a cash donation of 50,000 shillings to MP Nabulindo and Echesa, respectively.
This is despite Shan Events Operations Manager Abraham Otieno, who was hired to provide services at the funeral, demanding that the family pay Ksh. 1.5 million to cover losses incurred during the chaos.
“Chaos broke out, leading to the loss and damage of equipment that was vital to our service delivery. The losses incurred have been assessed, and the total value of the damaged and lost equipment stands at Ksh. 1.8 million,” read a letter from Otieno.
As pressure mounts on the two leaders, former Sports Minister Rashid Echesa has already taken the first step by appearing at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters in Kakamega.
Echesa recorded his statement regarding the incident, signaling his willingness to cooperate with law enforcement authorities. However, MP Peter Nabulindo has yet to do the same.
Additionally, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has also been linked to the events and is expected to respond to the summons.
It remains unclear whether he will comply with the elders’ directive or wait for legal proceedings to take their course.
The situation has sparked mixed reactions among locals, with some supporting the elders’ decision while others argue that political disputes should be handled within legal frameworks rather than traditional forums.
Political analysts believe that this incident could have long-term consequences for the political careers of those involved.
The Wanga community, known for its deep-rooted cultural values, has a history of holding leaders accountable for misconduct, and failure to adhere to traditional summons has, in the past, led to the loss of political goodwill.
“If Nabulindo and Echesa fail to heed the elders’ call, they risk alienating themselves from the very people who elect them,” remarked one of the elders.
All eyes remain on the political figures involved, waiting to see whether they will respect the authority of the Wanga elders or risk facing traditional and political consequences.
