By Mwalimu Malata Benson

There is a growing perception that some members of this faction are using funerals and burial ceremonies to assert their political authority and demonstrate their influence in Western Kenya. Slogans such as “One Term” and “Ruto Must Go” have reportedly taken centre stage at some of these gatherings, sometimes overshadowing the very purpose for which mourners have assembled.

Political expression is a constitutional right, and every Kenyan is entitled to hold and express political opinions. However, that freedom must be exercised with responsibility, respect, and consideration for the circumstances surrounding others. A funeral is not a political rally, and grief should never become an instrument for political mobilisation.

Even more disturbing are allegations that individuals perceived to be working with the government are being heckled, intimidated, or denied an opportunity to participate freely in funeral programmes. If these reports are accurate, they raise serious questions about political tolerance, respect for human dignity, and the ability of leaders to accommodate divergent opinions.

The recent funerals of Ambassador Nabwera and the mother of Hon. Bifwoli Wakoli have drawn attention to these concerns, with Governor George Natembeya and Hon. Jack Wamboka coming under criticism over their conduct and the political atmosphere surrounding the ceremonies. Such occasions should unite communities in grief rather than deepen political divisions.

WHO SPEAKS FOR THE BEREAVED FAMILY?

The central question is simple: who gives politicians the authority to hijack a family's moment of grief?

When a family loses a loved one, its immediate need is comfort, solidarity, and an opportunity to bid farewell with dignity. Relatives, friends, neighbours, and leaders gather to offer condolences and support. The family should not have to struggle for control of its own programme or watch political rivalries overshadow the final journey of someone it cherished.

No politician, regardless of popularity, political affiliation, or perceived regional influence, should behave as though attending a funeral grants them ownership of the ceremony.

A leader's stature is not measured by the loudness of political slogans at a burial. It is measured by the ability to comfort the grieving, respect other people's opinions, and demonstrate humility when circumstances demand sensitivity.

WESTERN KENYA NEEDS LEADERSHIP, NOT POLITICAL INTIMIDATION

Western Kenya is politically diverse. Its residents support different parties, leaders, and ideologies. That diversity should be celebrated as a sign of democratic maturity rather than treated as a threat to any political faction.

The region belongs to all its people, not to one political camp. Neither the Linda Mwananchi faction nor any other political formation should claim exclusive authority to determine who speaks, who attends, or who is welcomed at community gatherings.

Senator Edwin Sifuna and other leaders associated with the faction have a responsibility to demonstrate that political mobilisation can coexist with respect for cultural values, human dignity, and the rights of grieving families. Equally, leaders criticised over particular incidents deserve an opportunity to explain their positions, while allegations of intimidation should be assessed fairly and on the available evidence.

Kenya's democracy must accommodate disagreement without turning every public gathering into a contest of political supremacy.

LET FUNERALS REMAIN PLACES OF DIGNITY

There is a time for political rallies, a time for campaign slogans, and a time for public accountability. There is also a time to mourn.

Funerals should not be used to humiliate political opponents, settle political scores, or demonstrate who commands a crowd. The departed deserve a dignified farewell, while the living deserve the freedom to mourn without intimidation or unnecessary political confrontation.

The ultimate test of leadership is not how effectively politicians dominate a funeral programme, but how compassionately they stand with a family in its darkest hour.

Mwalimu Malata Benson Teacher | Writer | Publisher | Educational Consultant | Political Analyst