A burial in Matungu, Kakamega County, on Saturday turned chaotic after Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and Mahiakalo MCA Cleophas Malala fought in front of CORD leader Raila Odinga. Mr Oparanya was annoyed by accusation by Mr Malala that he was abating corruption at the burial of Peter Posho, father of Kakamega ODM party secretary Paul Posho.
Trouble began when the MCA asked Oparanya to explain why Kakamega Finance executive Paul Otsola was still in office “even after he was adversely mentioned in President Uhuru Kenyatta’s list of shame and subsequently asked by the county assembly to step aside following the Ksh200 million irregularly given to Mumias Sugar Company by the county government”.
Cleophas Malala (in green shirt) tips as he runs away from Oparanya (in black suit) and his supporters during a clash.
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He asked the governor to deal firmly with corrupt officials in his government. “I urge the governor to join in fighting graft and promote local industries,” Malala said. Mr Oparanya, who was seated next to CORD leader Raila Odinga, then marched to the podium where he engaged Mr Malala and struggled for the microphone before they went physical. Mr Oparanya’s supporters joined in the scuffle, prompting Malala to take to his heels to seek for safety.
It took police and other leaders 30 minutes to calm down mourners, who had turned against the governor. Mr Malala’s supporters charged towards the VIP’s tent where Oparanya and other leaders were seated but were restrained by security.
Senator Bonny Khalwale defended Malala, saying he was playing his oversight role and it was wrong for the governor to attack him. Mr Oparanya was heckled when he addressed the mourners and was forced to cut short his speech.
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