Tensions flared at a burial ceremony in Seme, Kisumu County, on Saturday, forcing Siaya Governor James Orengo to leave the venue.
The event was held at Ridore Primary School, where mourners had gathered to bury the father of Seme MP James Nyikal.
Things turned ugly when a group of young people started heckling and confronting Orengo. Preliminary reports indicate that the youths were ODM supporters who opposed the Linda Mwananchi faction, which Orengo is strongly associated with.
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o had to step in and try to calm the situation, but Orengo still chose to leave.
The burial nearly fell into complete chaos. It was a rare occasion where two different groups from within the ODM party showed their divisions openly.
Seme MP James Nyikal pleaded for calm from both sides. He asked mourners to let the country remain peaceful and questioned why large groups of people must follow leaders to every function.
Later on Saturday evening, Orengo released a statement breaking his silence. He accused the government of planning the chaos at what was supposed to be a solemn occasion.
The governor, who has been a key figure in the Linda Mwananchi movement, made it clear that his camp would not be scared off.
He said no amount of intimidation, teargas, hired chaos, or desperate acts would silence the Linda Mwananchi Movement.
Several other leaders attended the event, including Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who is known for pushing a 50-50 power-sharing deal with the Kenya Kwanza government.
However, both Wanga and Ruth Odinga chose not to speak about the tensions. Instead, they only posted messages mourning the deceased on their social media pages.
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