- The funeral service had proceeded peacefully until political leaders took to the podium, with some launching sharp verbal attacks against President William Ruto.
- The remarks appeared to unsettle security officials, as speakers were repeatedly interrupted.
Leaders from the
Linda Mwananchi movement were on Friday denied the opportunity to address
mourners at the funeral of former VIP Protection Unit commander Lazarus Opicho
in Sirende, Trans Nzoia County.
The funeral
service had proceeded peacefully until political leaders took to the podium,
with some launching sharp verbal attacks against President William Ruto.
Bumula Member of
Parliament Jack Wamboka said: “I want to urge the security officers here not to
allow the security of leaders to be used for political games. Today, someone is
taken away; tomorrow, they are gone. Mr President, do not play with Natembeya.”
The remarks
appeared to unsettle security officials, as speakers were repeatedly
interrupted.
The situation
escalated, and the leaders were eventually stopped from speaking, with police
taking charge of the funeral programme.
Deputy Inspector
General of Police Gilbert Masengeli stated: “Let us understand one thing:
everybody has a right to express themselves wherever they are. But do not bring
that here, at Opicho’s funeral.”
After the body was
taken away for burial, Linda Mwananchi leaders turned their criticism towards
the police service, while also defending officers’ welfare and calling for
their rights to be protected.
Nairobi Senator
Edwin Sifuna said: “When I am sworn in as the sixth president, I will take over
these houses built by Ruto. These houses built by Ruto…because you heard
Opicho’s young colleague say they started life in a single-room house.”
The leaders also
called on President William Ruto’s administration to allow opposition figures
to campaign freely, without insults, intimidation or restrictions that could
derail their political activities.
Trans Nzoia
Governor George Natembeya stated: “This government is confusing unemployed
young people by labelling them goons. They are criminalising poverty. They
claim Natembeya is the king of goons in Trans Nzoia. That is nothing but a pack
of lies.”
“Even if you
insult me or call me names, we will still ask the questions that need to be
asked,” Sifuna added.
The leaders say
they are determined to overhaul what they describe as oppressive government
policies, promising a different direction if they take power.