" You Nearly Killed My Son," MP Nyikal Blasts Senator Ojienda For Attending Burial With Goons

Seme Member of Parliament James Nyikal has sharply criticized Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda following a chaotic incident at his father’s burial, accusing the senator of arriving with a group of rowdy supporters who disrupted the solemn ceremony.

Speaking on Saturday, Nyikal expressed anger and concern over the unfolding drama, claiming the situation nearly turned tragic when his son was caught in the middle of the confrontation. 

According to the legislator, what was meant to be a peaceful send-off quickly escalated into tension and disorder, leaving mourners shaken.

Nyikal revealed that he personally approached Ojienda during the burial and urged him to control the individuals believed to have accompanied him.

However, he claimed that little was done to calm the situation, allowing the chaos to persist longer than expected. 

“You nearly killed my son,” Nyikal reportedly told the senator during the heated exchange, underscoring the seriousness of the moment.

The MP questioned the growing trend of politicians attending public gatherings with large groups of aggressive supporters.

He argued that such displays not only intimidate ordinary citizens but also undermine the dignity of important cultural and social events like funerals. 

Nyikal emphasized that true leadership and popularity should not rely on numbers or force but on genuine connection with the people.

He further lamented that funerals, which are traditionally moments of unity and respect, are increasingly being turned into arenas for political showdowns. 

According to him, the presence of unruly groups shifts focus away from mourning and instead creates an environment of fear and tension.

Nyikal also took issue with what he described as a rising culture of hired crowds in politics. He warned that the practice risks eroding authentic public support, replacing it with staged loyalty driven by intimidation. Such behavior, he noted, weakens democratic values and fuels unnecessary divisions among citizens.

The incident adds to a growing list of concerns over political intolerance in the country. Recently, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka reported a hostile encounter in Siaya County, where he claimed he was blocked from accessing a hotel by individuals accusing him of opposing the government.

Onyonka linked his experience to increasing political tension, warning that intolerance is becoming deeply rooted. 

Despite these challenges, leaders have vowed to continue engaging with the public, even as calls grow louder for restraint, mutual respect, and the preservation of peace in public spaces.