Political rivalry turned a solemn funeral into a scene of chaos on Saturday as Siaya Governor James Orengo was confronted by rowdy youths and forced to leave the burial of Mzee Eliud Nyikal Okaka, father of Seme MP Dr. James Nyikal.
The burial service at Ridore Primary School in Seme, Kisumu County, descended into disorder as rival factions within the Orange Democratic Movement clashed openly. What should have been a dignified farewell for the 104-year-old educator and community leader became a battlefield of heckling, shoving, and political grandstanding.
Orengo arrived to pay his respects and was initially welcomed by some mourners chanting in support. However, tensions quickly escalated when a group of youths began heckling him, forcing the governor and his team to exit the tent amid the commotion. The situation grew so volatile that clergy intervened, cutting the service short and ordering an immediate burial to preserve order and dignity.
Dr. James Nyikal, visibly distressed, appealed for calm as he eulogised his father. “My colleagues, let us make our country peaceful,” he pleaded. “When we have a function, let there be peace. Must we have large groups following us? We must control them… Popularity is like love — you can’t buy it with money.”
In a strongly worded response after the incident, Orengo condemned the disruption as “shameful and a national disgrace.” He blamed the State and its allies for unleashing goons on a mourning ceremony, claiming the intolerance stemmed from fear of growing public unity.
“No amount of intimidation, hired chaos, or acts of desperation will silence the Linda Mwananchi Movement,” Orengo declared. “We are unstoppable, unshaken, and unwavering in our mission.”
Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga expressed outrage at the “organized chaos,” criticizing the ejection of a sitting governor over divergent views. “Leaders must stop transporting goons to events,” she said. “If you truly have the support of the people, let it come naturally.”
Bishop Charles Ong’injo of Maseno South Diocese delivered a fiery sermon, urging politicians to abandon “nonsensical sloganeering” and focus on the people’s pressing needs.
The burial brought together leaders from the Linda Mwananchi and Linda Ground factions in a rare but explosive encounter, highlighting fractures within ODM ahead of future political contests. Other attendees included Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga.
Mzee Eliud Nyikal Okaka was remembered as a pillar of education and mentorship whose legacy lives on through his children and the community he served. Yet his send-off was overshadowed by the very divisions his family had hoped to set aside.
In the meantime, Orengo pushed back against media coverage of the incident. Contrary to the misreporting by Citizen TV, he clarified that they did not leave the venue because they were “chased.” “We departed because the presiding Bishop and Seme MP James Nyikal had already left to proceed with the burial of his father. Our sole purpose for attending was to offer our condolences and stand in solidarity with the family,” Orengo stated.
Remaining unbowed, the governor and his team left the service and arrived safely at the airport to return to Nairobi. This travel is in preparation for the EALASCA Festival, scheduled to kick off in Mombasa on Monday, May 4, 2026. Orengo confirmed that Siaya County will be participating in the upcoming events, with him joining as the Patron of KICOSCA. While at the airport, they enjoyed a warm reception and spent time engaging with locals before boarding. The governor praised the people of Kisumu for displaying the true “WANTAM” spirit of hospitality and excellence throughout the weekend.
