Court of Appeal Judge Justice Patrick Kiage was forced to bow to pressure from mourners to allow embattled Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) CEO Ezra Chiloba to address them.
Justice Kiage was introducing dignitaries in attendance at the burial of his late father George Ogeto among them Chief Justice David Maraga and Chiloba when the public went wild and demanded that the electoral agency CEO be allowed to speak.
Ogeto is a former prison officer and was buried in Karaus village in Trans Nzoia County, a ceremony attended by top judicial officers and lawyers including the Court of appeal president William Ouko.
There was more cheering when Chiloba walked to where the CJ was seated and greeted him before he started his speech. Addressing mourners, Chiloba condoled the family and eulogised the late Ogeto as a personality who supported education of unprivileged children in the area.
Chiloba gave a detailed explanation of his relationship with the family dating back to the time he was in high school and how he used to get financial support from justice Kiage.
“My family was poor. It was a big burden to raise fee and I used to receive financial support from justice Kiage. I have a personal respect to this family,” Chiloba eulogised.
After he finished his speech, Justice Kiage thanked and wished him well as the excited mourners cheered him. There was drama when the master of ceremony grabbed a microphone from the area Member of County Assembly (MCA) Sarah Lubano to stop her from politicking.
Mrs Lubano had started to sell the 2022 gubernatorial bid of Kiminini Member of parliament (MP) Dr Chris Wamalwa when the MC stepped in and snatched the microphone arguing that speakers had been cautioned against politicking.
Meanwhile, Chiloba has become an icon of hope in Trans Nzoia County with people, visiting his home for advice. Since his suspension in March, Chiloba retreated back to his Matua village in Kwanza to practice farming activities attracting the eyes of many.
Last week, Chiloba was forced to greet and address a crowd outside equity bank Kitale after he was stopped by a member of the public from entering the bank.
“We are with you. Stand firm. All what you are facing will come to an end,” shouted John Wekesa, a newspaper vendor who was among the crowd that compelled the IEBC boss to address them.