Funerals in Kenya are such a big deal, especially in counties in Nyanza and western Kenya. They are shrouded with drama and a lot of crazy things. From women who go there to outdo each other in as far as the latest fashion is concerned to others who insist on adorning dark shades, which make them look like gangsters.
In Western Kenya, burial activities are strongly enshrined in the community’s customs and traditions. Any occurrence that disrupted this very special function risked annoying the gods as well as the spirits of the deceased. But that is no more.
With 2022 political race around the corner, politicians aspiring for the country’s top seat are now crisscrossing the nation in a bid to secure their political strongholds. With Western Kenya and especially the Luhya community commanding a larger population in the country, aspirants are already salivating for the community’s rich vote in 2022.
This has seen the region received political leaders on a weekly basis especially over the Weekends. These frequent rallies have however gotten the attention of one ACK bishop from Mumias who is now crying foul over the rallies which he says have threatened to take over their burial ceremonies
According to Bishop Joseph Wandera, ACK churches in his Mumias Diocese will no longer conduct burial services on Saturday and Sundays due to what he termed as political interference from politicians who are now trooping into these functions and turning them their political grounds
ACK BISHOP Joseph Wandera says its Mumias churches will no longer conduct burials on Saturdays and Sundays due to interference by politicians. pic.twitter.com/N2bLtKdu9n
— NationBreakingNews (@NationBreaking) July 11, 2019
Wandera observed that instead of the leaders coming to mourn with the affected families, they usually grab the chances given to them to address their political interests at the same time campaigning for themselves and their candidates.
His sentiments came just ten days after Deputy President William Ruto attended a fundraising function at Anglican Church of Kenya, diocese of Mumias, in Kakamega County.
Ruto was also a month ago at a fund drive function geared at empowering women from Western Kenya in Bumula constituency. Ruto was hosted by Bumula constituency Member of Parliament Moses Mabonga.
Most of his lieutenants led by Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi have also been accused of using burial ceremonies to settle their political differences with their rivals. ODM Leader Raila Odinga has also been accused of using burial ceremonies to advocate for political favours.
ODM Party’s General Secretary Edwin Sifuna was also recently stopped by Aisha Jumwa in Kilifi when he used the chance given to settle political soars instead of grieving with the affected family
Ruto has been in the region more than twenty times this year and his frequent visits had already caused some uproar from a section of leaders from Western Kenya led by ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi who accused the Luhya leaders of being used as political bridges then dumped by cunning politicians.
ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi was also recently in Chavakali in his Vihiga backyard for the Musalia Powerhouse Forum to engage with the electorate.