Abagusii Cultural and Development Council of Elders have condemned yesterday’s incident where Dagoreti North MP Simba Arati and South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro were involved in a fight during the funeral of the father of Kisii County Deputy Governor Joash Maangi in Bomachoge Chache, Kisii County.
The council led by their chairman James Matundura described the yesterday’s incident as shameful, unfortunate and inconsiderate to the bereaved family.
Matundura appealed to the society to respect burials saying it is a cultural event where for Gusii people, one must be buried in their ancestral home.
Further the council set out a raft of rules for burials including leaving out politics, not hiring youths to heckle or praise the politicians, and using the platform to campaigns among others.
He said the fight during Mzee Abel Gongera’s funeral was a disgrace to the family because the deceased was a gentleman who had helped his community through donating his land to the nearby church and school.
Matundura said the council would soon hold a meeting with the church and other community leaders to determine the deterrence action to be taken against those who abuse cultural values.
On the death of the former cabinet minister Simeon Nyachae, the elders expressed their grief saying they had lost one of their own and also a patron to their council.
They sent their condolences to the family and the Abagusii community for losing the community leader whom they described as an icon of good leadership to the society.
by Jane Naitore/ Clinton Nyamumbo
