Oparanya sidelined in Soita Shitanda funeral

A tug-of-war has broken out over the burial of former Cabinet minister Soita Shitanda.

Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya said on Wednesday, when he visited the home in Butali Village, Malava Constituency, the county government had taken over preparations for the burial, including payment of medical bills.

But on Thursday, Lugari MP Ayub Savula visited the home and announced that President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto would attend the burial on June 4. He also indicated that the government will foot the bill.

Kakamega County Commissioner Kang’ethe Thuku said his office had been contacted about the developments but he was still consulting. “The government is making all the preparations for the burial of Mr Shitanda, which will be attended by the President and his deputy,” said Mr Savula.

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Mr Shitanda, a force in Western Kenya politics, died on Tuesday May 24th while being treated at the Nairobi Hospital. He had been suffering from diabetes and had recently returned from India for specialised treatment. He is regarded as the best performing MP Malava Constituency has ever had since independence.

He is credited with initiating development projects, making roads as well as bringing electricity to the rural region and pushing for the licencing of the Butal Sugar factory.

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