Commissioner warns against political incitement at funerals

The Kakamega County security team has warned politicians against inciting the public to cause chaos at funerals.

In the recent past, cases of political intolerance and chaos have been witnessed especially during funerals.

County Commissioner Lucy Mulili has warned any leader against engaging in acts of violence saying they will be dealt with in line with the law.

She said they would not let any leader create disharmony among residents and called on them to refrain their supporters from causing chaos.

"We are tired of chaos at funerals. Funerals are not political rallies and political leaders should stop using their supporters to cause mayhem," Ms Mulili said.

She also warned the youth and other residents from being used by politicians and individuals to create mayhem in the county.

"Politicians should respect one another. They should stop their supporters from causing political mayhem at funerals and other public events attended by their rivals," she said.

Mulili said police will firmly deal with any person who incites the public and those against peaceful co-existence.

"Anybody who incites people to cause scuffles at any event will be dealt with accordingly regardless of their status in the society whether he is a senior politician or a supporter of a politician," she said.

She condemned recent incidents where supporters of politicians have been clashing at funerals.

Last weekend, two rival factions clashed in Mumias West constituency where Senator Boni Khalwale had attended a funeral service.

Youths caused fracas demanding Dr Khalwale to explain if indeed he received Sh12.5 million to remain silent on the woes affecting Mumias Sugar Company.

Mumias West MP Johnson Naicca condemned the incident and few individuals whom he said 'bought' the youths to heckle and disrupt other leaders.

He advised those not comfortable with the current leadership to stop using the youth to advance their political interests, and wait for the next elections to square it out at the ballot.

"It is unfortunate that some leaders want to use youths to advance their own interests. It is unfortunate that leaders resort to such awkward activities yet they pretend they want to lead Kenyans," said Mr Naicca adding: "Leadership is not about buying people to disrupt other leaders."