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A family in Matungu, Kakamega County, has made a bold decision to return donations given by politicians after their father’s burial was disrupted by chaos. 

The funeral of the late Senior Chief Agostino Odongo turned violent when rival political supporters clashed, forcing the bereaved family to reject money and a cow donated by the leaders involved.

What was meant to be a solemn send-off for the late chief quickly turned chaotic when supporters of former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa, Matungu MP Peter Nabulindo, and Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa engaged in physical confrontations. 

The fight saw chairs being thrown, and several mourners, including a police officer and Mayoni Ward MCA Frederick Watitwa, were injured.

Religious leaders attempted to calm the situation, but the violence persisted, bringing the funeral to an abrupt halt. 

Mourners were left shocked and disappointed by the disorder, which overshadowed the occasion meant to honor the late Odongo’s life.

Following the chaos, the family took a firm stand, refusing to accept financial contributions from the politicians. 

They returned KSh 15,000 from MP Peter Nabulindo, adding a KSh 200 withdrawal fee, and also sent back KSh 50,000 from Rashid Echesa. 

Additionally, a cow that had been donated for the burial was rejected.

Speaking about their decision, one of the late chief’s daughters condemned the disruption, stating that politicians should not take advantage of funerals for their political agendas. 

“We cannot accept gifts from those who turned our father’s funeral into a battlefield. Let this be a lesson to them,” she said.

Another family member expressed their disappointment and warned those using funerals for political gain, referencing a biblical verse about people reaping what they sow.

Governor Fernandes Barasa denounced the violence, accusing Rashid Echesa of being behind the disruption. 

He insisted that the late chief deserved a respectful and peaceful send-off.

However, Echesa fired back, blaming Barasa for bringing rowdy youths to intimidate those who do not support his leadership. 

He called for security agencies to investigate the incident.

The incident has sparked national debate on the increasing trend of politicians using funerals for political battles.