"Might cause another problem": MP aspirant asks Wanga to skip his son's burial

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- Newton Ogada publicly asked Governor Gladys Wanga to stay away from his son's burial scheduled for Friday, August 28

- Ogada cited personal grievances stemming from the November ODM primaries, during which his vehicles were vandalised and his hospital attacked by goons

- The aspirant also raised fears that Wanga's presence could trigger chaos at the funeral, referencing the recent Linda Mwananchi rally attack in Homa Bay

Kasipul parliamentary aspirant Newton Ogada has publicly requested Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga to refrain from attending the burial of his son, scheduled for Friday, August 28.

Steven Onyango, 26, was a Kenya Defence Forces officer who died after being struck by a hit-and-run vehicle along the Ruiru bypass while riding a motorcycle to Embakasi Garrison.

Ogada's grievance against Wanga

Speaking in an interview with Tuko.co.ke on Sunday, August 23, Ogada, who recently left the ODM party chaired by Wanga to join Linda Mwananchi, traced the root of his resentment to the ODM party primaries held in November.

He alleged that during that period, nine of his vehicles were vandalised and goons attacked his hospital while patients were still inside, forcing some to flee.

One of his two sons narrowly escaped the same attack after encountering the assailants at the hospital gate. Ogada said he was present at the facility when the incident occurred and that the ordeal deeply traumatised his children.

"I don't want Wanga to come to the funeral. We have personal differences. She is the one who paid goons to vandalise my vehicle, attack my hospital and destroy everything I had. I am afraid she might come and cause another problem," he said.

Ogada cites security concerns

Ogada also pointed to the recent attack on a Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay, which left four people dead and more than 34 injured, as a reason for his concern.

Wanga was accused by critics of influencing the violence at that event, allegations that have heightened political tensions in the county.

Despite his firm position on Wanga's exclusion, Ogada said he welcomed politicians from across the political divide to attend the ceremony and confirmed that several had already indicated their intention to do so. He stated that the governor could visit the family home after the burial if she wished, but not on the day itself.

"It is better her and her team stay away and come after the burial, if they want, but not on the burial day. I took whatever happened very personal. I also fear her coming due to the political tension in Homa Bay following the recent attacks in Homa Bay. I do not want the same to repeat. I am humbly requesting she skips the burial," he said.

How long did Steven Onyango serve in KDF?

Meanwhile, Onyango had served in the KDF for nearly five years and is survived by a young wife and daughter.

His cousin, who was with him at the time of the crash, sustained critical injuries and was transported to Kenyatta National Hospital. The KDF confirmed it would assist in tracing the vehicle using CCTV footage from the scene.

Several Kenyans, including politicians, condoled with the family and offered words of encouragement during the difficult moments.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.