UPDATE: The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has summoned Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa, and Matungu MP Peter Nabulindo following a chaotic turn of events during a funeral in Matungu, Kakamega.
Several people were injured on Saturday, February 8, 2025, when supporters of the politicians clashed at the burial of Augustine Odongo, a prominent businessman and former Chief from Mumias, while mourners were forced to flee for their safety.
The three politicians were on Tuesday summoned by the head of the Kakamega region DCI to appear before the agency’s office to explain their involvement in the clashes.
The late chief Odongo’s family had earlier announced their decision to return contributions from Echesa and Nabulindo.
In the wake of the disturbance witnessed during the funeral, the family issued a statement explaining that the conduct seen on the fateful day was a gross disrespect to the family and the Wanga community at large, further terming it as a violation of the solemnity of a funeral ceremony.
According to former Chief Odongo’s family, both politicians dispatched goons posing as mourners to strategically sit in the main arena just behind the seats reserved for the VIPs to cheer them as they came in and boo anyone opposed to them.
Odongo’s family further explained their decision to return the contributions from Echesa and Nabulindo, including all associated transaction fees.
Kakamega family returns contributions from Echesa & MP Nabulindo
The family clarified that they made this decision after waiting to see if any of the politicians would visit to check on their well-being following the chaos, which they didn’t.
“Regrettably none of you has done so. This particular action or inaction speaks volumes,” read part of the statement.
“Therefore, as a demonstration of our disapproval, we have returned the gifts you extended to us including all transaction charges thereon as annexed hereunder.”
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The family decided to return Ksh50,000 from former CS Echesa, along with one bull and Ksh10,000 in cash from MP Nabulindo.
Accompanying the statement were all transaction records in the form of M-Pesa messages, along with photos of the bull contributed by the lawmaker.
“It is now apparent that the said assistance was not extended to us in good faith but were licenses to get a prominent seat at the ceremony and dance on the grave of your deceased uncle. It should be clear that no material gift can excuse such behavior,” Odongo’s family added.
On the fateful day, Echesa’s entry into the arena led to a serious disruption of the funeral service that was being conducted by the priest from St Charles Lwanga Catholic Church, Matungu.
In order to quell the chaos Echesa is reported to have addressed the goons with a message that they keep peace.
Nabulindo’s entry a short while later, again led to another round of disturbance of the ongoing program.
Chaos rocks funeral
Trouble began when Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa arrived accompanied by his supporters who had met him from the main road singing and dancing to Isukuti drums, sparking outrage from supporters of Nabulindo and Echesa.
Hundreds of youths began to shout uncontrollably at Governor Barasa before they turned riotous causing a pandemonium which lasted for a while in turn disrupting the funeral service.
Efforts by the presiding priest, John Bosco of Ejinja Catholic Parish, to quell the shouting fell on deaf ears.
A section of the county askaris and the youth accompanying Barasa forced their way into the shouting crowd, forcing them to disperse before chaos broke out.
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Mayoni Ward Member of County Assembly Fredrick Watitwa was injured when he tried to rescue one of the youths who was attacked by a youth supporting Barasa.
A police officer was also injured when he was hit by a stone thrown by the irate youth who at one point, tried to disrupt the burial ceremony in the deceased’s compound which had its gates closed and was manned by the county guards.
“The goons went ahead to pelt stones and cause mayhem in the homestead while the final rites were being conducted at the gravesite and after. Untold violence meted on the innocent mourners by the goons resulted 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,” Odongo’s family added.
County boss speaks
Governor Barasa condemned the incident, terming it unfortunate.
He described the late Odongo as one of his great friends, adding that his death was a big loss to the community of Matungu and Kakamega in general.
“I am deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident witnessed from the hooligans who were paid to come and disrupt the burial of such a respected member of the community. I direct security agents within Kakamega County to ensure those who are responsible for this mess are held accountable,” said Barasa.
The governor further singled out Echesa accusing him of mobilizing and paying the youth to cause mayhem in the funeral.
On his part, the former Sports CS accused Governor Barasa of “storming the funeral procession with rowdy youths in the name of intimidating leaders who don’t subscribe to his leadership”.
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