This archive report was first published on 26 June 2021.
On Saturday, June 26, 2021, the burial of former Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo turned chaotic as police clashed with mourners at the Ndori Primary School in Siaya County.
According to reports, police had been instructed to only allow a handful of mourners in line with Ministry of Health burial protocols and Covid-19 containment measures. However, this directive sparked a commotion as police officers intervened to separate groups of supporters who were trying to force their way to the venue.
As resistance to the guidelines grew, police were forced to lob teargas to disperse the groups. Several mourners expressed their disappointment at being denied the opportunity to give their leader a befitting send-off due to the Covid-19 situation.
"I was hoping to participate in the burial. Unfortunately, I have been blocked but I understand the worrying Covid-19 situation," said Joseph Apiyo, a mourner.
Notable leaders including ODM leader Raila Odinga, Siaya Senator James Orengo, Governor Cornel Rasanga, and Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa were in attendance at the burial.
Former Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo passed away two weeks ago while undergoing treatment at a Nairobi hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest. He served as the MP for Gem constituency between 2002 and 2017 and was eyeing a political comeback ahead of the 2022 elections.
