Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi was on Saturday, September 20, forced to apologise to a Catholic priest after a dramatic clash between political leaders and clergy during the burial of his aunt, Mama Pauline Chelimo Kipkore, in Trans Nzoia County.
The drama unfolded when Father Chrispinus Werunga of Benon Parish attempted to take charge of the programme at midday as planned by the church. However, political leaders prolonged their speeches, delaying the service. Despite repeated pleas, the speeches continued, with leaders insisting they needed time to address mourners and mourn the deceased.
Nominated MP Joseph Wainaina defended the politicians, saying, “We respect the church but please give us time to mourn our aunt and talk to our people, because without these people there will be no church.” Woman Representative Caroline Ngelechei echoed his sentiments.
Tensions rose when Father Werunga tried to cut short the speeches by taking one of the microphones, only for Sudi to grab another and continue. “We respect the church, and Father, if you are in a hurry you can let another priest lead the service. My aunt loved peace and I don’t want chaos here,” Sudi said.
Frustrated, the priest and his team walked away as speeches went on for nearly three more hours. Later, a remorseful Sudi returned holding Father Werunga’s hand and apologised. “Let me clarify that we have sorted out with Father and I am sorry for what happened. Please lead the service to bury my aunt,” he said.
Father Werunga resumed the service, using his sermon to urge leaders to respect the church and preach peace. “What is lasting is God. Let us not cheer politicians even when they are lying,” he told mourners.
The burial was also attended by Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen and governors from the North Rift region. Murkomen revealed that over 100 illegal guns had been surrendered by bandits in the Kerio Valley within three days, marking progress in the government’s crackdown on insecurity.
