Leaders hit out at hecklers at Kisii funeral

By Standard team

Political leaders and elders from Kisii have condemned Tuesday’s showdown at the Gusii Stadium during the funeral service for 15 students killed in a road accident.

MPs from the area yesterday said the requiem mass was a period to mourn the dead and not an opportunity to settle political scores.

“We are embarrassed that it was converted into a political rally. The issues raised are in bad taste,” said Bomachoge Borabu MP Joel Onyancha.

In a statement issued by legislators at a Nairobi hotel, they reiterated that the leaders, both in CORD and Jubilee, have no problem working with President Uhuru Kenyatta, adding that they will continue to offer constructive criticism.

“For those in government and the opposition, we will work together with the President to ensure that the community’s interests occupy a central plank in his administration,” said Kitutu Chache South MP Richard Onyonka.

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Others at the press conference were Jimmy Angwenyi (Kitutu Chache North), Stephen Manoti (Bobasi), Elijah Moindi (Nyaribari Masaba), Mary Otara (Kisii County), Zebedeo Opore (Bonchari) and Senator Hosea Ochwangi.

The Cabinet Secretary for ICT, Dr Fred Matiang’i, who was to read President Kenyatta’s condolence message, was heckled forcing him to abandon the exercise. Other Jubilee leaders were also booed

But a group of Kisii county assembly members blamed the heckling on hired goons who were allegedly transported to Gusii Stadium.

In a statement read to the press by Bointangare Ward Representative Boniface Wright, the leaders said the government had paid hospital bills and funeral expenses for the accident victims.

The reaction

Kisii County Deputy Governor Joash Maangi, however, said the reaction at the stadium was spontaneous as the youth were angered by the President’s absence. He said the national government was very supportive and blamed the TNA leaders from the region for misleading the President.

Under the auspices of the Abagusii Culture and Development Council (ACDC), a group of elders condemned the incident.

Addressing a press conference in Kisii yesterday, ACDC chairman Araka Matundura said the heckling of Matiang’i and former Cabinet Minister Ongeri amounted to defiling the Abagusii burial customs.