Trans Nzoia County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi has issued a directive prohibiting mourners from wearing political attire during the funeral of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Commissioner Chairman Wafula Chebukati on Saturday.
Commissioner Oyagi stated that the police will be on high alert to handle any politician or agents from any political faction who may be intent on turning the ceremony into a battleground for political supremacy.
He emphasized that no mourner will be allowed to access the venue while drunk, bring any disruptive items such as whistles or vuvuzelas, or arrive with an escort of hooligans.
"The funeral will not be a political rally. Any political group intending to bring along supporters or individuals with an agenda to disrupt the proceedings will not be allowed," stated Mr. Oyagi during an official briefing.
The late Mr. Chebukati’s body was airlifted to Kitale on Thursday, where it was initially taken to his parents' home at Nairobi Ndogo Village in Kwanza Subcounty, before being transported to his Sabata farm home in Kiminini in preparation for his burial on Saturday.
Mr. Oyagi said the ceremony would be conducted with dignity, with the focus on giving the family and friends ample time to offer their last respects and later bury the former commissioner.
"The public is encouraged to respect the solemnity of the occasion, as Kenyans come together to honor the life of the late Mr. Chebukati," he noted.