‘I was not chased’ – Orengo clarifies what transpired at funeral in Seme
By Aloys Michael, May 2, 2026Siaya Governor James Orengo has moved to clarify reports surrounding the disruption at a funeral in Seme, Kisumu County, insisting that he was not forced out of the event.
In a post on Saturday, May 2, 2026, the governor said he left the burial ceremony voluntarily and dismissed media reports claiming he was chased from the venue.
The clarification comes after chaos erupted during the burial of the father of Seme MP James Nyikal, where tensions flared, and sections of mourners reportedly demanded that the Siaya governor exit before proceedings continued.
“We did not leave because we were chased”, Orengo wrote on X.
In the post addressing the incident, Orengo firmly rejected claims of intimidation.
“Contrary to the misreporting, we did not leave the venue because we were ‘chased’. We departed because the presiding bishop and Seme MP James Nyikal had already left to proceed with the burial of his father,” Orengo stated.
He emphasised that his presence at the funeral was strictly for condolence purposes.
“Our sole purpose for attending was to offer our condolences and stand in solidarity with the family,” he added.
According to Orengo, his delegation exited peacefully and continued with their travel plans without disruption.
“Remaining unbowed, we left the service and arrived safely at the airport to return to Nairobi,” he said, noting that their departure was smooth and orderly.
Tension at Seme burial
Reports from the funeral indicate that the atmosphere became increasingly tense as speeches progressed, with a section of mourners demanding the governor’s departure.
Youth are reported to have moved toward the front row where senior political leaders were seated, including governors, MPs, and senators.
The situation escalated to the point where Orengo, a prominent figure in the Linda Mwananchi faction, left the venue after what sources described as rising pressure from attendees.
Clergy members later intervened to restore calm, allowing the burial proceedings to continue.
Seme MP James Nyikal is reported to have expressed frustration, questioning the growing political undertones at a moment meant for mourning.
“Why can’t we just mourn in peace? Must we come surrounded by large crowds?” Nyikal lamented.
The incident sparked political reactions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) circles. Gladys Wanga, speaking after Orengo’s departure, reiterated ODM’s alignment within the broad-based government and criticised internal divisions.
Meanwhile, Migori governor Ochillo Ayacko urged unity within the party, saying leadership cohesion was essential ahead of future political engagements.
On her part, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga called for reconciliation between factions, warning that internal divisions could weaken ODM’s negotiating position.
However, in his statement, Orengo also confirmed that his travel was part of preparations for the upcoming EALASCA Festival, set to begin in Mombasa on May 4, 2026. He noted that Siaya County will participate, with him serving as patron of KICOSCA.
“While at the airport, we enjoyed a warm reception and spent time engaging with the locals before boarding,” Orengo said, praising the hospitality of residents.
“The people of Kisumu are WANTAM, a spirit of hospitality and excellence that was clearly on display throughout the past weekend.”