Sifuna, other leaders denied chance to speak at Opicho’s funeral in Trans Nzoia

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was among political leaders who were denied an opportunity to address mourners during the funeral of Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police Lazarus Opicho in Trans Nzoia County on Friday.

Opicho, who died on September 28 at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi after a short illness, was laid to rest at his rural home in Sirende, Wehoya Village.

The burial ceremony and final prayer service were held at Maili Saba Grounds before the body was transported to the family home for burial.

Until his death, Opicho was the commandant of the Security of Government Buildings (SGB) and VIP Protection Unit in the Administration Police Service.

He had previously served as the pioneer commandant of the Judiciary Police Unit.

The final send-off was attended by senior security officials, including Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli, as well as family members and political leaders.

Those present included Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Sifuna and Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, among other leaders.

However, not all the political leaders in attendance were given an opportunity to speak, with the master of ceremonies, Principal Deputy to the Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service Masoud Mwinyi, announcing that only a select group of leaders and senior government officials would address mourners.

Mwinyi urged those who would not be called upon to speak to be content with the remarks made by those selected to represent them.

“For those who had planned to speak but will not be given a chance, let us be content with what will have been said by our colleagues,” he said.

“Let us believe that most of what they will say is what we would have said,” he added.

He said leaders who felt their views had not been adequately represented could visit the bereaved family later to convey their condolences in person.

Mwinyi also asked mourners to respect the programme to ensure the ceremony proceeded within the allocated time, before outlining the order of speakers.

Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga was scheduled to speak first because of other pressing engagements.

He was to be followed by the deputy speaker of the Trans Nzoia County Assembly, who would introduce the leaders present and those who had sent messages of condolence.

Natembeya was next, after which he would introduce Sakaja. Mwinyi said the two governors would represent their fellow governors and other political leaders, as well as those unable to travel to the ceremony.

“After these leaders have spoken, we will invite the Principal Administrative Secretary in charge of National Administration, Madam Beverly Opwora, who will come here on the dais accompanied by five colleagues from five other ministries to represent the Cabinet secretaries from those ministries,” Mwinyi said.

The final speaker was to be Uganda's ambassador to Turkey, who was representing the country's top leadership at the funeral.

Mwinyi also announced that only a select group of leaders would accompany the family to its home for the final burial rites and interment after the service.

“Let me ask in advance that only those who have been nominated to go there should be the ones to go. Those of us who will remain, let us mourn him here and as we go back home,” he said.