Kakamega governor Fernandes Barasa has been spotlighted for allegedly arming young men to attack mourners at a funeral in Mumias, Kakamega county on Saturday, February 9.
The county boss was among the dignitaries gracing the funeral of retired senior chief Mzee Agostino Odongo in Matungu.
Chaos erupted after Barasa's supporters clashed with those of one-time Sports CS Rashid Echesa and Matungu MP Peter Nabulindo.
Chairs were seen flying at the venue leaving some people injured in the melee.
One of the suspected goons unleashing terror on the mourners revealed they had been contracted by the governor who sought to be protected during the funeral.
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Identified as Felix Amutala, the goon revealed they were deployed in droves from Shinyalu to protect the governor.
According to Amutala, the governor asked them to arm themselves before showing up at the funeral.
The man, who was equally attacked by the public, confessed to stabbing two people at the funeral.
"We were asked by the governor to come to the funeral to protect him. We were deployed in six vehicles, Toyota Probox. We were told to carry knives. I have stabbed two people so far, and I asked the Mumia people to forgive me," Amutala claimed.
However, in his statement, Barasa sought to absolve himself of any wrongdoing.
He accused his political adversaries of sponsoring the chaos.
"I condemn the violence that occurred today in Matungu during Mzee Agostino Odongo's funeral. As a Senior Chief and Director at Mumias Outgrowers Company, he deserved a dignified send-off, not the chaos caused by Rashid Echesa. May Mzee rest in eternal peace," the governor said.
