Drama erupted during the burial of veteran politician Mzee Patrick Wangamati in Kabuchai Constituency, Bungoma County, after political tensions escalated into chaotic scenes involving rival leaders, walkouts and even a swarm of bees.
Mzee Wangamati, the father of former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati, was buried after a ceremony attended by several prominent leaders from across the country at Khachonge Primary School. Among those present were National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka and Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa.
The burial proceedings, however, quickly turned political as rival camps clashed through speeches and public displays from supporters.
Drama intensified after Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa staged a dramatic walkout from the funeral alongside his supporters during Senator Sifuna’s address. The move temporarily disrupted the burial proceedings as sections of mourners followed the legislator out of the venue.
The walkout is said to have been triggered by Sifuna’s fiery speech criticizing the government, remarks that had attracted cheers and attention from many mourners.
After leaving the burial venue, Barasa and his supporters made a stop at Kabuchai Market, where the MP launched attacks against Sifuna and other opposition leaders. He accused them of ferrying supporters from outside Bungoma to attend the funeral and influence the political mood of the gathering.
However, the situation took a dramatic twist when a swarm of bees suddenly descended on the crowd while Barasa was addressing supporters. The bees caused panic and confusion, forcing the MP, his allies and residents to scamper for safety as the gathering dispersed abruptly.
Barasa blamed the incident on his political rivals, insisting that ‘intimidation’ tactics would not silence him. “Even if they send bees, I will not stop telling them the truth,” he declared.
Addressing mourners while Barasa was leaving, Senator Sifuna accused the MP of attempting to sabotage the funeral proceedings. He alleged that Barasa had been distributing KSh 200 handouts to mourners in an effort to influence the crowd and undermine his speech.
Despite the dramatic scenes, leaders across the political divide paid tribute to Mzee Wangamati, describing him as a respected elder and experienced leader who served as Mayor of Webuye and later as a nominated Member of Parliament.
