A fierce exchange of words marred the burial of the late Mama Anne Nanyama, the mother of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, as leaders clashed over rising abduction cases.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah lost his temper and rebuked Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya over his remarks on reports of abductions and extra-judicial killings in the country.
The attack came after Natembeya had disagreed with remarks made by Cotu Boss Francis Atwoli on abductions.
“You are an officer; if you know people are being abducted, share the information with the police but do not come here to shout at Atwoli (COTU boss),” he stated.
Ichung’wah further noted that Natembeya was a regional commissioner in the last administration, which was also accused of abductions and extra-judicial killings.
Ichung’wah later apologised to mourners and the bereaved family over the way he reacted to Natembeya’s remarks.
Present at the event were President William Ruto, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, COTU boss Francis Atwoli, governors Ken Lusaka (Bungoma) and Paul Otuoma (Busia), Leader of Minority in the National Assembly Junet Mohammed respectively and a host of MPs and senators
In his address, Atwoli said parents must teach their children to be respectful people, who should not use social media in a bad way.
“Your right is not key to tamper with the rights of others. We must respect the office of the President,” he said.
Atwoli further went on to claim some youths go into hiding and they claim they were abducted in order to benefit from funds from civil society organisations.
When Natembeya was allowed to speak, he condemned remarks that some people were "abducting themselves".
“I say this with a very heavy heart. For a leader to stand here and say people are abducting and killing themselves, is unfortunate. It is not for this hallowed grounds,” he added.
“Our children are getting lost and killed; that is the position.”
But Ichung’wah, as he was inviting the next leader to speak, said Atwoli is an elder and cannot lie to Kenyans.
“Do not think because you are governor, you will chest thumb here. I have seen you in funerals attacking Wetang’ula. Please respect people and we will respect you back.”
