Government bans funeral processions in Kakamega CBD area

AI illustration./GEMINI

The government has with immediate effect banned funeral processions in Kakamega Central Business District (CBD) and issued alternative routes to be used by mourners.

Deputy County Commissioner Titus Mulei warned that no funeral processions will be allowed within the town centre, citing chaotic and noisy funeral matches that have often disrupted business operations and traffic flow.

Speaking during a public gathering in Kakamega town, Mulei, accompanied by Chief of Shieywe Location Philip Chunge, directed strict adherence to the new guidelines aimed at restoring order during funeral processions.

“For security reasons, loud reggae music and ‘lami’ (final ride processions) have been banned in Kakamega’s CBD. We are asking for your cooperation. Do not confront security officers,” said Chief Chunge.

He announced that security agencies have designated alternative routes for funeral processions. Starting from Kakamega County Referral Hospital mortuary, processions heading to Lubao will now use Shitaho, Nyayo Tea Zone, proceed to Lurambi junction, and then exit.

Those heading to Khayega will use the Shirere route, while mourners going towards Mumias will use the Shirere–Slaughter–Roasterman route before exiting the town centre.

The administration noted that motorised processions, including boda boda riders (motor cycle taxi riders), have frequently paralysed traffic in the CBD, especially when bodies are moved from the mortuary on Fridays ahead of burials scheduled for the following day.