The government has announced stringent rules for Kenyans planning to attend the funeral of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati on Saturday, March 8.
Among the rules set is a ban on political regalia, as the event is not a political rally.
Trans Nzoia County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi also stated that supporters will not be allowed to cheer or jeer politicians.
“We will not allow people dressed in political party regalia to attend the event on that day. Whether it is a shirt or a cap, it will not be permitted. I say this because the event is not a political gathering,” Oyagi noted.
“I want to tell all leaders to talk to their supporters because this is not a political event but a burial. We will not allow any group of people to cheer their leaders during the event,” he said.
“We are not going to condone any form of hooliganism, which is becoming a norm in this region where politicians are taking advantage of funerals to flex their political muscles.”
Also Read: Next IEBC Chair: Meet Bold Women Who Want to Succeed Chebukati
This comes amid reports that some groups were planning to cause chaos and politicize Chebukati’s burial ceremony.
However, Oyagi stated that the necessary security arrangements have been put in place to ensure the late Chebukati’s burial is peaceful and well-organized, assuring mourners of tight security.
“Let us all of us exercise maximum restraint from any form of incitement either through social media or any other means,” he added.
The former IEBC chair will be laid to rest at his home in Sabata, Kiminini, Trans Nzoia County.
Also Read: Chebukati’s Family Warns Kenyans Against Saying Bad Things About Him
Natembeya Warns Those Planning Chaos
Meanwhile, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya warned politicians against ferrying goons to the funeral of the late Chebukati, urging them to stop immediately.
The governor claimed he was aware that some politicians from the county, with support from outsiders, were planning to disrupt Chebukati’s funeral and later blame him for the chaos.
“In events that involve Trans Nzoia, please allow us to handle such, now reports are going viral that there will be chaos when Chebukati is buried, we will not fight but we will not relent. We cannot fail to plan Chebukati’s burial,” Natembeya said.
“For those coming from outside this county, you should come in as visitors, mourn one of us, and go back to where they came from in a peaceful manner.”
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