Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula have raised concerns over the rising trend of confrontational politics in Western Kenya, particularly during funerals. The two leaders urged politicians to put an end to disruptive behaviors that have become a common occurrence at burial ceremonies.
Speaking during the requiem service of the late Malava MP Malulu Injendi, who is set to be laid to rest on Tuesday, March 4, Wetang’ula and Mudavadi condemned the acts of political supremacy battles that often escalate into chaos at funerals. They warned that such incidents are tarnishing the image of the Mulembe nation.
“Cases of politicians disrupting funerals as they battle for political supremacy are increasing. This is bad behavior that should not be tolerated,” Wetang’ula remarked. He further emphasized that these disruptions not only cause destruction but also add financial and emotional burdens to bereaved families.
The Speaker reminded politicians that leadership is not won at funerals. “I ask my colleagues to comfort the bereaved families instead of adding more pain through chaos and damage to property,” he stated.
Mudavadi echoed similar sentiments, urging political leaders to embrace tolerance and shun divisive tactics. He particularly discouraged the misuse of youths to cause chaos at funerals and public gatherings, emphasizing that such behavior would not yield political mileage.
“Stop misusing youths to cause chaos in funerals or public meetings. Chaos will not take you anywhere,” Mudavadi cautioned. He further emphasized that modern society has no place for violent and combative politics.
Regarding Malava’s representation in Parliament, Wetangula acknowledged the delays in setting up the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), which will prolong the constituency’s wait for a new MP. To ensure continuity in governance, he directed Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali to oversee the Malava Constituency office and facilitate ongoing projects, including bursaries and NG-CDF-funded programs.
The requiem service was attended by Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, MPs, and senior national and county government officials. The Western MPs Caucus, led by Sirisia MP John Waluke, praised Injendi’s leadership, highlighting his dedication to his constituents. “The fact that Injendi was serving his third term shows the love and confidence the electorate had in him,” Waluke noted.
As the region mourns the loss of a dedicated leader, calls for unity and respect in political engagements remain paramount.
