Governor Barasa, MP Nabulindo and Rashid Echesa summoned over Kakamega burial chaos

The three are expected to appear at the Kakamega Police headquarters on Tuesday for investigations on events that lead to a politically instigated unrest at the burial of retired chief Gerald Odongo on Saturday. 

Addressing the press on Monday, western region police commander Kiprono Langat said the leaders are expected to present themselves for grilling at different times. 

Political factions clashed at the funeral, leading to the injury of more than 100 and destruction of property. 

Two young men who are alleged to be involved in the violence have already been arrested.

On Monday, the family of the late Chief Odongo called on law enforcement officers at Odongo begin investigations into the events that led to his hurried burial amidst what the family says was politically-induced chaos.

“We feel pained, our father was a peaceful man who these two people knew, and for them to come and disrupt his funeral is totally unfortunate,” said Patrick Lutta.

The family says the funeral of their loved one had been planned to the last detail, but signs of trouble began showing early in the day.

“Many people arrived early and occupied the seats in the VIP we had to beg them to leave when the visitors arrived,” Lutta added.

The arrival of politicians in quick succession set off the sequence of events that descended into total chaos, denying family members the opportunity to eulogise the former chief and give him a befitting sendoff.

“Before the politicians came in it was totally calm, there was no problem trouble started when Echesa walked in then Nabulindo and then the governor,” Lutta said.