Tear gas, shots in the air as Orengo, Oduol supporters clash at funeral
Supporters of Siaya Governor James Orengo and Deputy Governor William Oduol clash during a funeral in Alego Usonga on May 13, 2023.
Polcie officers were Saturday forced to fire tear gas and shoot in the air to disperse clashing supporters of Siaya Governor James Orengo and Deputy Governor William Oduol, who have been wrangling.
Governor Orengo and Mr Oduol have been at loogerheads for several reasons, a matter which has resulted in a petition by three activists and a rivalry that has continued to play out in public.
The scuffle happened at the burial of the late Siaya County Public Service Board chair, Dr Elijah Achoch.
The venue was turned into a battle arena for political supremacy between Mr Orengo and Mr Oduol, who were sharing a podium for the first time since their fallout three months ago.
The aftermath of a clash between supporters of Siaya Governor James Orengo and Deputy Governor William Oduol, during a funeral in Alego Usonga on May 13, 2023.
Hell broke loose when a youth allied to Governor Orengo interrupted Mr Oduol while addressing the mourners. Others joined in and matters went out of hand as the rival groups tore into each other.
This prompted Bishop Haung Godia of Maseno West Diocese to cut short the programme and lock out all the leaders.
“Since we have refused to behave like civilised people, allow me proceed and bury Dr Achoch. The sermon I would have delivered to the mourners, I will deliver to the family members,” he said .
Alego Usonga lawmaker Samuel Atandi pleaded with the Bishop to read a verse before the body was interred.
