- Parents in Bomachoge Borabu have been urged to keep students away from politically charged funerals following violent clashes in Kisii County.
- The appeal comes after a Form Three student was injured during chaos at a funeral in Endereti Village.
- Leaders have called for political tolerance, while police intensify investigations into the violence.
Parents in Bomachoge Borabu have been cautioned against allowing their children to attend politically charged funeral gatherings to prevent them from being caught up in violence between rival political supporters.
The appeal comes barely a day after a Form Three student was among several people injured during a commotion at the funeral of the brother of Kisii County Assembly Speaker Dr Philip Nyanumba in Endereti Village.
Trouble reportedly began when Kisii Governor Simba Arati arrived at the funeral with his entourage. Individuals perceived to be supporters of Bomachoge Borabu MP Obadiah Barongo allegedly attempted to block his entry, triggering a confrontation.
During the melee, the Form Three student was trampled and sustained a dislocated shoulder.
The student was rushed to Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital for treatment. Another victim, a middle-aged man identified as Osumba, was admitted to the same hospital with critical injuries.
“I was waiting at the gate on my motorcycle when some men armed with rungus and pangas landed on me and ordered me to kneel down with my hands up. They cut my body with the pangas several times. But sensing more danger, I rose and ran to women who screamed for my rescue. From there I don’t know what happened until I found myself in this hospital bed,” he narrated.
Osumba thanked the management of Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital for dispatching an ambulance that rushed him to hospital for treatment.
Leaders condemn violence
Bomachoge Borabu residents, led by former MCA George Bibao, condemned the violence and called on political leaders to restrain their supporters.
They urged parents to shield students from political confrontations, especially during sensitive gatherings such as funerals, to protect them from physical harm and emotional trauma.
Bibao’s appeal was reinforced by Cyrus Ogega, who alleged that Bomachoge Borabu MP Obadiah Barongo had introduced political violence in the area, describing it as an outdated practice that should have no place in modern politics.
Bokimonge MCA Amos Onderi called for sanity and political tolerance, warning that continued antagonism would divide the community and undermine economic development.
He urged MP Barongo to listen to the voice of the people instead of allowing innocent youths to be drawn into political confrontations with Governor Arati.
Onderi added that, just as a small river gains strength by joining a larger one, political leaders should embrace cooperation rather than conflict.
MP distances himself from violence
Speaking to the press on Saturday, MP Obadiah Barongo distanced himself from the chaos and called for thorough police investigations into the incident.
He also cautioned his Constituency Manager, Eric Mogonchi, against actions that could fuel hostility among residents.
“My Constituency Manager is accused of antagonising the residents, but I have asked him to style up,” he said.
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County security officials said investigations are underway to identify and arrest those responsible for orchestrating the attacks.
Kisii County Police Commander Ronald Kirui warned that anyone found inciting youths or engaging in political violence would face the full force of the law.
By Enock Okongó
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