By Hilda Atika
Western Regional Police Commander Paul Lang’at has summoned Kakamega County Governor Fernandes Barasa, Matungu MP Oscar Nabulindo, and former Sports CS Rashid Echesa to appear before investigators at the Kakamega Police Headquarters Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) today. The summons follows violent disruptions during the burial of Abstino Gerald Odongo in Matungu Constituency on Saturday.
According to Lang’at, the burial proceedings initially went smoothly, but chaos erupted when politicians arrived with their supporters, who soon turned into unruly mobs. The violence disrupted the funeral, preventing the bereaved family from mourning in peace.
Scores of people, including innocent mourners, sustained injuries during the fracas. Lang’at confirmed that at least 100 people were seriously injured despite attending the funeral solely to condole with the family. Additionally, chairs and other valuables were destroyed in the melee.
The police have warned politicians against inciting violence and urged them to uphold moral leadership. Those found guilty of violating the law will face legal action. “We are expecting them at the DCI office today, 11 February, to record their statements. Meanwhile, the police have launched a manhunt to bring all those involved to justice,” Lang’at stated. He also disclosed that two suspects had already been arrested, and operations would continue until all perpetrators were apprehended.
Expressing sympathy to the bereaved family, Lang’at apologised for the disruption, acknowledging that the planned burial arrangements could not be fully carried out due to the violence. “I believe the family faced a difficult time because the burial could not proceed as planned due to the interference of politicians,” he reiterated.
The police commander also cautioned MPs against hiring supporters for funerals and political meetings, warning that they would be held accountable if violence ensued. “The youths arrested have admitted to being hired by these politicians. Even the bereaved family was aware of it. As soon as the politicians arrived, their supporters started fighting,” he noted.
The three summoned politicians will be interrogated as part of ongoing investigations into the mobilisation of supporters for the funeral.
