Funeral service cut short after chaos as Orengo, Oduol supporters clash

Siaya Deputy Governor William Oduol has been at loggerheads with his boss James Orengo over the management of county affairs. [File, Standard]

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.

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.