Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana has asked leaders not to engage in politics in funerals.
In an opinion piece, Kibwana said that it is unfortunate that some leaders want to take advantage of funerals to remain relevant in the political arena.
The second term governor said that it is absurd to note that some leaders want to use burial ceremonies to pursue their agenda when the kinsmen of the deceased are facing a hard time.
He made reference to the death of Kibra Member of Parliament Ken Okoth whose burial was chaotic after politicians took advantage of everything to spread all sorts of propaganda.
Ken’s burial was marred by endless wrangles on whether he should be buried or cremated. The lawmaker was cremated but some of the family members insisted that it was against the Luo Culture.
Kibwana said that such scenarios are awkward and they need to be solved in a better manner at the end of the day.
“Politicians have a tendency to dominate the burial event. They usually will introduce potentially inflammatory matters. For a while, the funeral becomes a political rally. Also, politicians tend to speak and leave to attend other funerals or business. Under normal circumstances, one should only attend one funeral a day so as to accord the departed due respect,” read part of his piece on Daily Nation.