Drama unfolded in Kakamega County after Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya was almost forced out of a burial ceremony following chaos that erupted during the funeral of the late Silas Barasa, brother to Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa.

The incident occurred at Khabondi Primary School in Mumias East Constituency on Saturday, June 20, 2026, after supporters linked to former Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali confronted Salasya, triggering a tense political standoff that disrupted the ceremony.

Witnesses said the confrontation quickly escalated as rival supporters exchanged chants, forcing security officers and mourners to intervene as tensions rose at the high-profile funeral gathering.

Responding after the incident, Salasya appeared unshaken, insisting he remained aware of the political undercurrents surrounding the confrontation.

Political rivalry spills into public event

The incident once again highlights growing political tension in Western Kenya, where rival camps have increasingly turned public gatherings into arenas for political confrontation as alignments ahead of the 2027 General Election continue taking shape.

Observers say funerals, church functions, and community gatherings are increasingly becoming battlegrounds for politicians seeking to consolidate grassroots influence in key constituencies.

The latest incident adds to concerns over rising intolerance among political supporters, with calls growing for leaders to separate political competition from community events meant to unite families and mourners.

Salasya previously opposed Finance Bill proposals

The latest political confrontation comes days after Salasya publicly criticised recent tax policies, joining a growing number of leaders raising concerns over the impact of the Finance Bill on ordinary Kenyans and businesses.

Speaking during recent debate surrounding the Finance Bill 2026, Salasya argued that the National Treasury should revisit previous tax proposals that he said had already hurt millions of Kenyans.

“Treasury ikitengeneza Finance Bill ya 2024, 2025 iwe ni revision. Finance Bill ya last year imeumiza sana Wakenya, na wanabiashara,” he said.

Finance Bill debate exposes political divisions

Salasya’s criticism came during the heated parliamentary showdown over the controversial Finance Bill 2026, where divisions between government and opposition lawmakers sharply emerged.

The Bill triggered fierce resistance from opposition legislators, civil society groups and consumer rights organisations, who argued that some provisions could increase the cost of living, hurt local businesses and place an additional tax burden on struggling households.

The parliamentary vote further exposed widening political realignments, with the Finance Bill becoming one of the clearest indicators of shifting alliances as the country heads toward the 2027 general election.