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Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has condemned violence during a burial in Kakamega County, attributing it to internal conflicts within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). He called for investigations into the incident, which disrupted the ceremony and resulted in injuries, highlighting the growing political tensions in the region.
Africa-Press – Kenya. Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has blamed wrangles within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) for violent clashes that erupted during a burial ceremony in Kakamega County on Saturday, April 11.
According to Khalwale, the chaos witnessed during the burial of Kakamega Polytechnic Principal Caroline Khamete in Mukoyani Village stemmed from a growing political rivalry within the party.
“This incident is the latest in an escalating and public feud between the two leaders, who are desperately fighting over the control of ODM Party in Kakamega County,” Khalwale stated.
In a statement issued on Sunday, April 12, the Senator denounced the chaos that disrupted the burial ceremony in Ikolomani Constituency, noting that the incident turned a solemn occasion into a scene of destruction.
“I want to strongly denounce the barbaric and senseless acts of violence that occurred yesterday, April 11, 2026, during the burial ceremony of Madam Caroline Khamete,” Khalwale stated.
He added, “What should have been a solemn occasion to bid farewell to a dedicated public servant was instead turned into a scene of chaos and bloodshed due to the reckless actions of rowdy youth.”
During the ceremony, rival groups allegedly linked to Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa and County Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda clashed, attacking mourners and destroying property.
According to Khalwale, the situation became so volatile that the bereaved family was forced to temporarily remove the body from the ceremony for safety reasons.
The violence also saw attackers smash the windows of the hearse, even as burial proceedings continued under tense conditions.
During the confrontation, at least one person was stabbed and sustained serious injuries, further escalating tensions at the venue.
Following the incident, Khalwale called on the National Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to move swiftly and arrest those responsible.
“I call upon the National Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to move with speed, arrest and prosecute the individuals who weaponised a funeral for political gain and end the culture of using goons during such gatherings,” he urged.
Khalwale also demanded that both Governor Barasa and Woman Representative Muhanda take responsibility for the conduct of their supporters and publicly commit to ending what he termed as goonism in Kakamega County.
The leadership wrangles within ODM in Kakamega have been ongoing, with several leaders contesting control of the party at the county level.
Although Governor Barasa was declared the county chairperson, other leaders, including Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera and Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, have previously rejected the move.
The incident adds to a worrying trend of political violence witnessed in recent weeks, with funerals and public gatherings increasingly turning chaotic amid allegations of hired goons disrupting rival camps.
Political rivalries in Kenya, particularly within parties like ODM, have often led to violence, especially during public events. The recent clashes in Kakamega County reflect a broader trend of escalating tensions among party factions, where personal ambitions overshadow communal harmony. Such incidents raise concerns about the safety of public gatherings and the influence of political goons in local politics, necessitating urgent reforms and accountability measures to restore order and trust in the political process.
