This archive report was first published on 26 June 2021.
On June 26, 2021, the burial of Jakoyo Midiwo, a former Kenyan politician, turned chaotic in Siaya County. Hundreds of mourners had gathered to pay their last respects, but they were not allowed to view the body.
The chopper carrying Midiwo's remains and family members arrived in Gem, Akala sub-county, at around 10 am. The body was taken to Midiwo's first wife, Betty, before being taken to the house of his second widow, Rose Olayo, for prayers.
Later, the body was taken to Ndori primary school, where mourners had gathered to catch a glimpse of the ex-legislator's coffin and to pay their last respects. The scene was marred by chaos as police used teargas to disperse the crowd.
ODM Party leader Raila Odinga, who is Jakoyo's cousin, arrived in Gem with his wife Ida to attend the burial. Raila Odinga's daughter, Winnie Odinga, disclosed that the family had been hit by a double tragedy following the death of their Uncle.
Winnie mentioned that Midiwo's death came hours after he had lost his elder sister, Julia, who happens to be their Aunt. She shared on social media, 'We lost Jakoyo today but many don’t know we lost his elder sister Julia on Sunday. Double tragedy. A tragic loss. Gutted! Nind gi kwe Auntie & Uncle.'
