Khalwale Demands Action Over Violence at Kakamega Burial Ceremony
Kakamega County Senator Boni Khalwale has called on Governor Fernandes Barasa to take full responsibility for the conduct of supporters following violent scenes that disrupted the burial ceremony of Madam Caroline Khamete, the Principal of Kakamega Polytechnic, in Mukoyani Village, Ikolomani Constituency.
In a strongly worded statement on Saturday, April 11, 2026, Khalwale condemned what he described as “barbaric and senseless acts of violence” that erupted during the burial, saying the incident turned a solemn event into chaos and bloodshed.
He alleged that local politicians played a prominent role in mobilising armed groups who attacked mourners and destroyed property during the funeral service, in full view of security officers and in disregard of law and order.
Khalwale said the burial, which should have been a dignified farewell to a respected public servant, was instead disrupted by violence allegedly involving rowdy youth linked to Governor Barasa and Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda.
According to the senator, rival groups engaged in physical confrontations during the ceremony, with crude weapons reportedly used, leaving several people injured. He said at least one person sustained serious stab wounds to the arm and is currently receiving treatment in hospital, with medical bills still accumulating.
He further claimed that the situation became so tense that the bereaved family was forced to temporarily remove the body from the funeral service for safety reasons. Even after the burial continued, he said, attackers smashed the windows of the hearse and caused further damage.
The senator described the incident as part of an escalating political feud between leaders in the county, allegedly linked to competition over control of the ODM Party in Kakamega County, saying such violence has continued to negatively affect residents.
“We demand that both Governor Barasa and Hon. Muhanda take full responsibility for the conduct of their supporters and publicly commit to ending the cycle of ‘goonism’ that is bleeding Kakamega,” Khalwale said.
He also appealed to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the National Police Service to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Madam Khamete. He claimed that the principal had earlier disappeared before her decomposing body was later discovered in Lake Victoria in Kisumu in late March.
Khalwale further urged security agencies, including the homicide investigation unit, to move swiftly, arrest those involved, and ensure that individuals who allegedly used a funeral for political violence are prosecuted.