The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has summoned Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, Matungu MP Peter Nabulindo, and former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa to explain their role in the chaos that erupted at a funeral in Kakamega.
In a statement on Monday, February 10, Western Regional Police Commissioner Kiprono Lang’at directed the three leaders to present themselves to the DCI in the region.
"I would like to tell Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, Matungu MP Peter Nabulindo, and former Sports CS Rashid Echesa to avail themselves at the Western Regional Police Department DCI department [to] explain what transpired at the Kakamega funeral," he said.
Lang'at further stated that police had launched an operation to apprehend those responsible for the violence that left over 100 people injured.
"Additionally, we have started an operation looking for those involved in the fracas, and we have so far arrested two of them. The operation will continue until we ensure that we have arrested all people involved," he added.
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Following the incident, both Barasa and Echesa issued statements blaming each other.
In a statement on Saturday, February 8, Barasa condemned the incident, attributing the disorder to Echesa and his supporters
"I condemn the violence that occurred today in Matungu during Mzee Agostino Odongo's funeral. As a Senior Chief & Director at Mumias Outgrowers Company, he deserved a dignified send-off, not the chaos caused by Rashid Echesa. May Mzee rest in eternal peace," he said.
However, Echesa dismissed the allegations, instead accusing Barasa of instigating the disruption by bringing in unruly youths.
"It was quite uncouth, uncivilized, and uncultured for Governor Fernandes Barasa to storm the funeral procession of the Late Mzee Agostino Odongo with loutish and discourteous youths in the name of intimidating leaders who don't subscribe to his leadership," he claimed.
