Orengo speaks out after clashes erupt at Seme funeral

‎Tension and political drama marked a funeral in Seme, Kisumu County, after rival factions reportedly clashed during the burial of Eliud Nyikal Okaka, father to Seme MP James Nyikal.

‎The burial, held at Ridore Primary School, was briefly disrupted as two competing groups engaged in confrontations, forcing clergy to cut the service short and call for an immediate burial without speeches.

‎Governor Orengo, who later responded to the incident, condemned the disruption and praised residents for their reception.

‎“To the great people of Seme, I extend my deepest gratitude for the overwhelming love and the heroic welcome you gave me today as I paid my final respects to the late Eliud Nyikal Okaka,” he said.

‎He described the events as deeply troubling, saying a solemn occasion had been interfered with.

‎“It is both shameful and a national disgrace that a solemn send-off could be disrupted… The situation became so tense that the clergy had to cut the service short, calling for an immediate burial without speeches to preserve order and dignity,” Orengo stated.

‎The governor further insisted that political pressure would not deter his movement.

‎“But let it be clearly understood; no amount of intimidation, no teargas, no hired chaos, and no acts of desperation will silence the Linda Mwananchi Movement,” he said.

‎“Linda Mwananchi is a force of the people, unstoppable, unshaken, and unwavering in its mission to defend and uplift the voice of every Kenyan.”

‎During the incident, proceedings were briefly interrupted before Orengo was escorted out of the funeral tent as tensions escalated.

‎Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o intervened to calm the situation and restore order as emotions ran high among mourners.

‎Despite the disruption, the burial proceeded under heightened tension, highlighting growing political friction playing out in public gatherings.

‎Several other leaders, including Homa Bay Gladys Wanga, attended the ceremony.

‎Mzee Okaka died aged 104.

‎In separate posts on their social media handles after the event, Nyong’o and Wanga did not address the earlier tensions that had briefly disrupted the burial, instead focusing their messages on honouring the life of Mzee Nyikal.

‎Nyong’o paid tribute to the late Mzee, describing him as a pillar of service and mentorship in the community.

‎“He was a dedicated educator, a guiding mentor and a respected community leader. His legacy endures in the lives he touched, defined by service, integrity and a commitment to uplifting others,” Nyong’o said.

‎Wanga, on her part, reflected on the gathering at Seme Constituency, emphasising the values the late patriarch stood for.

‎“In Ridore, Seme Constituency, we gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of Mzee Eliud Nyikal Okaka, the father of the area MP, Hon. Dr James Nyikal,” she said.

‎“Mzee Nyikal’s extraordinary life will be remembered for his deep commitment to education and social development, values that are evident in his children and all those who interacted with him.”