NAIROBI, Kenya- Chaos erupted at a funeral in Seme after Siaya Governor James Orengo was forced to leave, with clergy halting the service midway as tensions spiraled.
The burial of Eliud Nyikal Okaka, father to Seme MP James Nyikal, quickly turned into a political flashpoint—highlighting deep divisions within ODM and drawing sharp criticism from church leaders.
How tensions exploded during the Ridore burial
Orengo said the service at Ridore Primary School was disrupted by “goons,” forcing clergy to cut proceedings short.
He claimed the burial had to proceed without speeches to maintain order and dignity.
Witnesses described a hostile crowd, with youths chanting and demanding that the governor leave before calm could return.
Orengo eventually exited the venue, allowing the ceremony to continue.
Bishop’s blunt message puts leaders on the spot
Amid the chaos, Anglican Bishop Charles Ong’injo delivered a sharp rebuke to Kenya’s political class.
He condemned what he termed “nonsensical political sloganeering,” urging leaders to focus on real issues affecting citizens.
The bishop challenged politicians to move beyond succession politics and address crises in healthcare, the economy and social welfare.
He also took aim at rising fuel costs, dismissing government explanations as insufficient, even as President William Ruto defended prices by citing Kenya’s middle-income status.
ODM leaders clash as divisions spill into public events
Orengo later termed the disruption “a national disgrace,” insisting intimidation would not silence the Linda Mwananchi movement.
After his departure, ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga reaffirmed the party’s position in the broad-based government and warned against attempts to split it.
Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko called for unity, while Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga urged dialogue between rival factions.
The incident underscores growing political tensions within ODM, as internal divisions increasingly play out in public ahead of the 2027 elections.
