Government bans politics in funerals

Business

By Anderson Ojwang

The government has banned politics in funerals and ordered chiefs, assistant chiefs and district officers to arrest politicians who flout the directive.

Politicians have been directed to notify the police if they want to hold a political rally instead of turning funeral into political forums.

Internal security Assistant Minister Orwa Ojode said the government does not send security officers to funerals, as they are not political platforms.

"Let politicians be warned that we will arrest them and stop their political speeches in funerals. Let them hold political rallies instead of using funerals to chart their agenda,’ he said.

Ojode asked the Church to take a leading role in ensuring that politicians do not turn funerals as political podium.

The move follows last weekend’s incident in Oyugis where Immigration Minister Otieno Kajwang, Kasipul Kabondo MP Oyugi Magwanga among others were caught up in chaos at a funeral.

The leaders fled as stones and other crude weapons were hurled during the funeral service of immediate former Oyugis County council mayor.

Anglican Church of Kenya, Maseno West Bishop Joseph Wasonga welcomed the move saying it was prudent to respect the deceased and the bereaved families.

"We as a diocese we had banned politics in funeral. We are happy the government has seen light at the end of the day,’ he said.

Churches such as Seventh Day Adventist, Catholic, ACK among other churches have already banned politics in funerals.

Nyakach MP Ochieng Daima supported the ban saying it was long overdue and would bring sanity.

Ochieng said those interested in selling their policies should call rallies instead of taking advantage of funerals to champion their political objectives.

" We are concerned that funerals have been turned into political podium and a lot of time is wasted. We must respect the dead and stop politics," he said.

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