The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print
operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a
leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.
Chaos erupted at the burial of Siaya County Public Service Board chairman Elijah Achoch after Governor James Orengo and his deputy William Oduol clashed.
Trouble started after Oduol was invited to address the mourners at the funeral held on Saturday in Ulafu village, Alego-Usonga.
Oduol, who was sharing a forum with his boss for the first time after openly clashing over the management of county affairs, was forced to cut short his speech after a youth grabbed and snatched the microphone from him.
The burial programme was brought to a halt with supporters of Orengo and Oduol engaging in fistfights.
Bishop Haung Godia, of the Anglican Church of Kenya who was presiding over Dr Achoch's burial, tried to calm down the situation without much success fracas escalated for about 15 minutes.
In the end, Orengo did not get an opportunity to speak.
The police were called in to disperse the rowdy youth who stormed the main tent after Bishop Godia's pleas fell on deaf ears.
Godia, who condemned the act of violence at the funeral, accused the politicians of defying the family's calls not to politick during the burial.
- KMPDU decries delayed salaries for doctors by counties
- Siaya to improve paediatric ward, hospital morgue
- Family demands answers after child died while being treated in Siaya hospital
Keep Reading
Alego-Usonga MP Samuel Atandi, who spoke before Oduol was invited, said he was keen on succeeding Orengo after ten years, implying that he supports the county chief to run for another term.
Differences between Orengo and his deputy were evident from the start after rumours emerged the latter had mobilized youths to heckle the governor.
Oduol and Orengo's woes started two months ago after the former accused his boss of financial mismanagement among other issues.
Oduol, who had appeared before the County Assembly last month to shed light on his allegations, has continued to criticize Orengo's style of leadership, saying there is a scheme to kick him out of the government.
On Saturday, after Oduol had been barred from addressing the mourners, the angry bishop ordered pallbearers to carry the casket to the burial site.
"We're not going to proceed with this service because of the chaos. I will therefore pray for the family in the house after the burial," said the bishop.
Achoch, who died last month, was appointed as the board chairman by former governor Cornel Rasanga in 2020.
join