MP Kalasinga rebukes Didmus Barasa over conduct at funerals, dumps him politically
By Mustafa Juma, May 31, 2026Kabuchai Member of Parliament (MP) Majimbo Kalasinga has sharply rebuked Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa over his conduct during funeral gatherings, publicly distancing himself from the legislator and declaring a political break.
In a strongly worded statement issued via his official Facebook account on Sunday, May 31, 2026, following a funeral service in Khachonge, Kalasinga accused Barasa of showing disregard for church leadership, bereaved families, and mourners by leaving immediately after addressing gatherings without observing full funeral proceedings.
Kalasinga expressed “profound disappointment” over what he termed repeated misconduct during funeral events attended by Barasa.
“I, Majimbo Kalasinga, together with the church leadership under the guidance of His Holiness Bishop Mark Kadima, wish to formally express our profound disappointment and concern regarding your recent conduct during funeral gatherings attended within the region. Your repeated behavior of departing with mourners immediately after your address in funeral services, while disregarding the church leadership, bereaved families, and the wider community gathered to mourn their loved ones, has raised serious dissatisfaction,” Kalasinga stated.
He said funerals are solemn occasions that require dignity, respect, and unity, warning that the behaviour in question was undermining the purpose of such gatherings.
“Funeral ceremonies are solemn occasions meant to honour the deceased, comfort grieving families, and uphold respect for cultural and spiritual values,” the statement read.
The MP further claimed that Barasa’s actions had caused “unnecessary division and discomfort” during mourning events, insisting that leaders should demonstrate compassion and patience.
Incident at Khachonge
Kalasinga specifically pointed to incidents at Khachonge during the burial ceremony of Patrick Wangamati, father to former Bungoma MP Wycliffe Wangamati, where he claimed that disorder disrupted a funeral service and left mourners and church leaders embarrassed.
He said such occurrences had tainted the sanctity of the event and created dissatisfaction among the local community.
“It is regrettable that a gathering meant to provide emotional support to bereaved families instead became associated with confusion and public dissatisfaction,” he added.
Political fallout
In a dramatic escalation, Kalasinga announced that he was formally distancing himself from Barasa’s political camp, signalling a break in their political relationship.
“As a result of these repeated concerns, I wish to publicly dissociate myself from your political campaign,” he stated.
He further insisted that going forward, Barasa would only be allowed to address mourners after the completion of church proceedings or, alternatively, leave without speaking.
In the same statement, Kalasinga expressed appreciation to several political leaders present at the event, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, among others, signalling alignment with the emerging Linda Mwananchi political formation.
Kalasinga also praised youths who, according to him, intervened to remove individuals allegedly brought in to disrupt the funeral proceedings, describing their actions as protective of the dignity of the event.
Sifuna slams Barasa
Kalasinga’s statement comes hours after Senator Sifuna criticised Barasa over what he called money-driven politics.
At the funeral, the mood shifted when Barasa left the venue with a section of his supporters just as Sifuna prepared to speak.
Addressing mourners, Sifuna downplayed the walkout but used the moment to question what he described as repeated political behaviour he has seen over time.
“Msiwe na wasi wasi huyu ndugu yetu mweshimiwa Didmus tumemzoea. Hii vipindi tumezoea, mimi nimekuwa kwa siasa miaka mingi,” he said, urging the crowd not to be surprised.
He then accused him of organising crowds and paying small amounts of money to influence attendance and reactions at public events.
“Ati wakati Sifuna anasimama kuongea yeye anatoka anaenda kupangisha watu line wakule mia mbili,” he said.