In the wake of tragedy, where mourning should be respected as sacred, the funeral of Caspal Obiero’s spouse and mother turned into a spectacle of chaos and despair.
The serene atmosphere was shattered by the arrival of Migori County Governor Dr. Ochilo Ayacko and his entourage, whose actions were received with mixed reactions.
The precedence led to chaos, shattering the funeral ceremony as a faction from the governor and that of Uriri Member of Parliament Mark Nyamitta clashed fiercely, scattering mourners and injuring some.
The incident though happened barely a week ago, residents of North Kanyamkago are still disturbed and continue to castigate the occurrences, as some fiercely direct a pointing finger at the governor.
Kennedy Okoth, a resident of north Kanyamakago who was among the mourners recount a scene of horror, where he claims the governor’s presence brought not solace but strife.
His testimony paints a vivid picture of the county boss’ reckless disregard for the solemnity of the occasion.
Okoth accused the governor of importing and sponsoring goons who disrupted the peace during the funeral, causing harm even to the innocent child, who eventually broke his leg.
“The mass went on and concluded peacefully but when the governor arrived, he was barred by boda boda riders who were group members of the deceased and not the security of Nyamitta as purported by his wing,” recounts Okoth.
Grace Adhiambo, whose plea for unity and peace fell on deaf ears, describes the occurrences to be of actions that spoke volumes of politicians’ priorities and not for mourners or the bereaved.
“I did not expect such an ordeal to happen at a funeral where the bereaved are mourning. As the head of the county, our governor should unite people and preach peace instead of being involved in village squabbles,” said Adhiambo.
She urged both Ayacko and Nyamitta to preach peace as they are yet to recover from the ordeal.
Another resident who expressed her dissatisfaction was Caren Auma.
Her choice of words echoes the sentiment of many, highlighting the stark contrast between past county leadership and the current turmoil, she claims to be unleashed by the current regime.
She alleged that the county boss distracted the event and his entourage almost crushed the coffin.
“It’s ideally it is in order for juniors to obey seniors and vice-versa. We humbly plead with the governor to help restore peace as done by the previous regime headed by Okoth Obado,” she pleaded.
The disdain for the politician’s behaviour transcends mere disappointment as locals call to action against those who prioritize power over people, chaos over compassion.
The alleged revelation of hired goons from neighbouring counties like Homa Bay only adds fuel to the fire of condemnation.
“We know the people who came to the funeral with the governor, some are from Homa Bay and we know them,” said Ochieng Ogolla, a resident.
In the face of such reprehensible conduct, the community from north Kanyamakago resolved to demand accountability and restore dignity to their mourning rituals is unwavering.
As they seek justice for Caspal Obiero’s family and all those affected by the clashes between the two factions of politician’s reckless actions, they send a clear message noting that violence has no place in mourning, and those who sow chaos shall reap only scorn and condemnation.
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