Chaos at Nyikal’s father’s burial as Orengo heckled out

When Siaya Governor James Orengo arrived at the burial ceremony in Seme, Kisumu County, the environment was tense.

As speeches went on, the centre could not hold anymore. A section of mourners demanded that the Siaya governor leaves the burial ceremony.

Youth descended on the front row that was occupied by MPs, governors and senators as well as other senior government officials.

The Siaya governor, who is a lead figure in the Linda Mwananchi faction, was forced to leave the venue. And after the clergy intervened, normalcy resumed.

"Why can’t we just mourn in peace... must we come surrounded by large crowds," Nyikal lamented.

The Siaya governor, who had last week in Kisumu declared himself as the ODM acting party leader, later condemned the incident.

After Orengo’s departure, speeches continued with ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga insisting that the ODM party is firmly in the broad-based government and accusing the Linda Mwananchi team of splitting the Orange party against the wishes of the late party leader Raila Odinga.

"ODM is in the broad-based government and what we are telling our opponents is that ODM will form the next government in 2027 or will be part of the coalition that forms the next government," she said.

Governor Ochillo Ayacko added, "We as a party are keen and we must ensure that our party remains strong."

However, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga called the two ODM factions to order, saying the party cannot head into coalition talks divided in the middle.

"We must face the reality we cannot continue with these two groups... where are friends of the party and friends of Raila... come intervene and let the two groups sit down together," Ms Odinga said.