Khalwale Blames Kakamega Violence on ODM Rivalry, Calls for Investigations

Khalwale Blames Kakamega Violence on ODM Rivalry, Calls for Investigations

Boni Khalwale has attributed violent clashes that disrupted a burial ceremony in Kakamega County to escalating internal wrangles within the Orange Democratic Movement, calling for swift investigations and accountability.

The chaos unfolded on Saturday, April 11, during the burial of Kakamega Polytechnic Principal Caroline Khamete in Mukoyani Village, Ikolomani Constituency. What was expected to be a solemn send-off for a respected educationist instead descended into disorder, with rival groups reportedly clashing in full view of mourners.

In a statement issued a day later, Khalwale strongly condemned the violence, linking it to deepening political rivalry among local ODM leaders.

“This incident is the latest in an escalating and public feud between the two leaders, who are desperately fighting over the control of ODM Party in Kakamega County,” Khalwale said.

He further decried the disruption of the funeral, describing it as both tragic and unacceptable.

“I want to strongly denounce the barbaric and senseless acts of violence that occurred during the burial ceremony of Madam Caroline Khamete,” he stated.

“What should have been a solemn occasion to bid farewell to a dedicated public servant was instead turned into a scene of chaos and bloodshed due to the reckless actions of rowdy youth,” he added.

According to reports from the scene, the violence involved rival factions allegedly aligned with Fernandes Barasa and Elsie Muhanda. The groups reportedly engaged in confrontations that led to the destruction of property and injuries among attendees.

Witnesses indicated that the situation deteriorated rapidly, forcing the bereaved family to temporarily remove the body from the burial site to ensure its safety as tensions escalated. In one of the most dramatic moments, the hearse transporting the body had its windows smashed during the chaos.

At least one person was reportedly stabbed during the clashes and sustained serious injuries, heightening fears over the growing trend of violence at public gatherings.

Khalwale has now called on security agencies, including the National Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, to take immediate action.

“I call upon the National Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to move with speed, arrest and prosecute the individuals who weaponised a funeral for political gain and end the culture of using goons during such gatherings,” he urged.

The senator also challenged the two leaders allegedly linked to the rival factions to take responsibility for their supporters and publicly commit to ending politically motivated violence.

“Leaders must take responsibility for the conduct of their supporters and commit to ending goonism in Kakamega County,” Khalwale added.

The incident underscores ongoing leadership disputes within ODM in Kakamega County, where several politicians have contested control of the party’s local structures. Although Governor Barasa was previously declared the county chairperson, the decision has faced resistance from other leaders, including Wycliffe Oparanya and Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera.

Political analysts note that such internal divisions have increasingly spilled into public events, raising concerns about the safety of citizens attending funerals, rallies, and other gatherings.

The Kakamega incident is part of a broader pattern of unrest witnessed in recent weeks across the country, where funerals—traditionally regarded as non-political spaces—have become arenas for political showdowns.

Authorities are yet to confirm arrests linked to the incident, but pressure continues to mount on security agencies to restore order and ensure accountability.

As investigations are awaited, leaders across the political divide are being urged to exercise restraint and prioritise peace, particularly during sensitive communal events, to prevent further escalation of tensions in the region.

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Khalwale Blames Kakamega Violence on ODM Rivalry, Calls for Investigations