By Violet Auma.
Drama unfolded in Matungu after the family of the late Chief Gerald Odongo returned a bull donated by Matungu MP Peter Oscar Nabulindo and KSh 50,000 contributed by former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa. The family rejected the donations, accusing the two leaders of fueling chaos during the funeral over the weekend.
The late chief’s children, visibly angered, loaded the bull onto a pickup truck and drove it back to Nabulindo’s home, declaring that they could not accept gifts from individuals who had turned their father’s funeral into a political battleground.
“Strangers arrived at the venue early in the morning. They were rowdy and showed no respect to the bereaved family. It was clear they had a set agenda. By 10:00 AM, the place was packed with unfamiliar faces,” one of the late chief’s sons recalled.
This dramatic gesture came just hours after the Western Region Police Department summoned Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, MP Nabulindo, and former CS Echesa to record statements regarding the violence that erupted at the funeral.
Speaking from his office, Western Region Police Commander Kiprono Langat confirmed that the three leaders had been issued summonses to appear for questioning about their roles in the clashes, which left over 100 people injured.
“Kenya is governed by the rule of law, and no one is above it. Anyone found inciting violence at public gatherings will be arrested and prosecuted,” Langat warned.
The funeral, held at Chibanga village in Mayoni Ward, quickly descended into chaos when rival political factions clashed. The situation reportedly escalated when Governor Barasa arrived, where MP Nabulindo and Echesa were already present. Supporters of the three politicians hurled insults at each other, leading to a violent confrontation that forced mourners to flee.
Police officers intervened, using teargas to disperse the rowdy crowds. In the ensuing chaos, a police officer was injured, an incident that has since drawn widespread condemnation.
In a strongly worded statement addressed to Echesa and Nabulindo, the family of the late chief decried the disruption, accusing the two leaders of deploying goons to hijack the funeral for political gain.
“We, the family of the late Chief Augustino Gerald Odongo, write to formally address the violent and disruptive actions that occurred during his funeral. The conduct witnessed on that day, attributed to individuals associated with you, was not only a gross disrespect to our family and the Wanga community but also a violation of the solemnity of a funeral ceremony,” the statement read in part.
According to the family, hired individuals pretending to be mourners strategically occupied seats near the VIP section, cheering their preferred politicians and heckling those opposed to them.
“Mr. Echesa’s entry into the arena led to a serious disruption of the funeral service, which was being conducted by a priest from St. Charles Lwanga Catholic Church. To calm the situation, Echesa addressed the goons, asking them to maintain peace,” the statement added.
However, the situation worsened when MP Nabulindo arrived, leading to further disturbances. Tensions boiled over when Governor Barasa made his entrance, triggering a full-blown confrontation that brought the service to a halt.
“It was not upon yourselves to decide who should and who should not attend the funeral,” the family lamented.
Family members pleaded with the politicians to intervene and restore order, but their appeals fell on deaf ears.
“The priest had to hurriedly conclude the service and proceed with the interment to avoid being caught in the pandemonium. As a family, we were denied the dignity of mourning our father in peace,” the statement continued.
Even after the burial, violence persisted, with goons pelting stones and causing destruction. The family accused the two leaders of standing by in silence as their supporters wreaked havoc.
“Untold violence was meted out on innocent mourners, resulting in injuries and massive destruction of property, while you stood by surrounded by your security detail and later left the venue without uttering a word,” the statement read.
As a sign of protest, the family returned the bull and KSh 50,000 cash contributions made by Nabulindo and Echesa, asserting that their assistance had not been extended in good faith.
“It is now apparent that the said assistance was not given to us with genuine intentions but was a license to get a prominent seat at the ceremony and dance on the grave of our deceased father. It should be clear that no material gift can excuse such behavior,” the statement declared.
The widow of the late chief, Beneta Wabuyabo, expressed her frustration, describing the incident as disgraceful.
“I did not have enough time to mourn my husband in peace. I don’t understand why politicians would turn his funeral into a battleground. It’s shameful that some people were even running away with chairs,” she lamented.
The family’s decision to return the donations has sparked debate, with many questioning why they singled out MP Nabulindo and Echesa while leaving out Governor Barasa, who was also present at the chaotic event.
The violent scenes at the funeral have reignited discussions about the growing trend of politicizing funerals, particularly in Western Kenya.
Religious leaders and community elders have urged politicians to exercise restraint and respect grieving families instead of turning funerals into campaign arenas.
“We call upon leaders to respect the sanctity of funerals. These are moments for mourning, not political battles,” a local clergy member remarked.
As investigations continue, residents are demanding accountability, warning that if such incidents remain unchecked, they could set a dangerous precedent ahead of future elections.
Meanwhile, the bereaved family has vowed to ensure that justice is served, stating that they will not allow their father’s memory to be tainted by political hooliganism.
“This should be the last time such an incident happens in our community. We demand action against those responsible,” they insisted.
The summoned politicians are expected to appear before police for questioning, with authorities vowing to crack down on political incitement at public gatherings.
“The law must take its course. Those responsible for disrupting a peaceful funeral must face the consequences,” Commander Langat asserted.
As the community comes to terms with the shocking events, many hope that this incident will serve as a turning point in curbing political interference in traditional and cultural gatherings.
