Double loss as Kakamega family slapped with Ksh.1.5M compensation demand after chaotic burial

The company that was hired by the family of the late Chief Gerald Odongo, whose burial was disrupted in Matungu, Kakamega County by chaos, is now demanding over Ksh.1.5 million as compensation for the damage to their equipment.

Shan Events, in a letter seen by Citizen Digital, revealed that the aftermath of the melee led to losses amounting to Ksh.1.8 million.

The company further threatened to instigate legal action against the deceased’s family if the aforementioned amount is not paid within two weeks.

“As you are aware, chaos erupted during the event, 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 the letter by the Shan Events Operations Manager Abraham Odhiambo Otieno.

“The failure to ensure adequate safety measures resulted in the aforementioned losses. We therefore formally demand compensation in the sum of Ksh.1,561,850 payable within 14 days from the date of this notice.”

Odhiambo added: “Failure to settle this matter within the stipulated time frame may leave us with no option but to pursue legal action to recover the losses. We hope, however, that this matter can be resolved amicably without the need for such measures.”

According to the company, as per the terms of the agreement, the host is responsible for providing a secure environment conducive to their service provision and thus is responsible for the losses incurred.

The company highlighted some of the damaged equipment as; 4 Nexo Line RA Speakers valued at Ksh.320,000, one Microphone Snyzer (Ksh.150,000), two Rachets (Ksh.80,000), 8 LED screens (Ksh.640,000), and one Toshiba Laptop (Ksh.35,000).

Others were: 161 broken plastic chairs (Ksh.136,850), 20 VIP Red Banquet Chairs (Ksh.160,000) and one VIP wooden chair which costs Ksh.40,000.

Mzee Odongo's funeral and burial service was on Saturday the theatre of violence as politicians from the area engaged in a popularity contest which left the grieving family counting losses.

The event which brought together ODM leaders from the Western Kenya region saw the simmering cracks in the opposition party widen, as two factions differed on the decision by the political outfit to work with President William Ruto’s government.

Leaders opposed to the broad-based government clashed with their counterparts supporting the arrangement during the event, resulting in the violence.

Law enforcement officers later began investigations into the events that led to Mzee Odongo’s hurried burial, amidst what the family termed as politically-induced chaos.

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa and Matungu MP Peter Nabulindo were on Tuesday summoned at the DCI County headquarters to aid with investigations.

Echesa presented himself at the Kakamega DCI offices on Wednesday to answer charges of incitement but declined to address the press and instead sped off using two vehicles.