Bishop abandons former MCA's burial after political chaos erupt

A burial ceremony for former Sikhendu MCA Eric Musumba in Trans Nzoia County descended into chaos on Saturday, forcing Kitale ACK Bishop Emmanuel Chemengich to walk out in protest after political rivalries took centre stage.

Dr Chemengich had initially conducted the service and allowed politicians to address the mourners, but the event quickly descended into chaos as leaders from Ford Kenya and the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) clashed.

Trouble began when Sikhendu MCA Andrew Kutitila invited former Motosiet MCA Bernard Muganda to launch a scathing attack on National Speaker Moses Wetangula.

Muganda, once a close ally of Wetangula, has since become one of his fiercest critics. He accused the Ford Kenya leader of turning the party into his personal property and described him as a dishonest leader who uses and discards other political figures.

Muganda criticised Wetangula’s leadership, recounting how he and the late Musumba had worked hard for the party, only to be abandoned when the Kenya Kwanza coalition was formed.

“We are here to mourn a great man. Musumba died a frustrated man. He was denied a job and dumped by Wetangula despite his loyal service to Ford Kenya,” Muganda charged.

Saboti politician Joseph Pepela, who recently defected from Ford Kenya, also took aim at Wetangula, calling him a political conman. He claimed Wetangula had turned Ford Kenya into a personal fiefdom, ignoring the contributions of loyal supporters, such as former Kiminini MP Dr Chris Wamalwa. Pepela further accused Wetangula of offering political positions to the highest bidder, describing the party as one with no regard for its grassroots supporters.

“Wetangula has destroyed this party. He has turned Ford Kenya into a briefcase party and a shell. I am going to fight to ensure that Ford Kenya has no future in this county,” Pepela declared, as mourners cheered in agreement.

As the political debate intensified, Bishop Chemengich made several attempts to bring the ceremony back on track, asking the leaders to conclude their speeches and allow the casket to be carried to the grave.

However, Kutitila and other leaders continued their speeches, insisting on more time.

Realising that his pleas would not bear fruit, Bishop Chemengich made the decision to leave the ceremony. He walked to his car and drove off, accompanied by his wife, Dorcas.

The funeral, which took place at Kikwameti Primary School, was attended by various prominent figures, including former Health Cabinet Secretary Dr Susan Nakumicha, now Kenya’s Representative to UN-Habitat, former Kiminini MP Dr Chris Wamalwa, and former Trans Nzoia Woman Representative Janet Nangabo.

Musumba tragically passed away following a road accident near Matunda along the Kitale-Webuye Highway two weeks ago.

He succumbed to the injuries at Cherangany Nursing Home. He leaves behind two widows and 24 children.