Chaos broke out during the burial of Mama Bethsheba Kwamboka, mother to former Kisii County CEC Dr. Enock Ondari, in Mosora Village, Ogembo, Kisii County. The ceremony, which had drawn prominent leaders and local residents, took a dramatic turn when Kisii Woman Representative Dorice Donya Aburi, popularly known as Donya Toto, launched a scathing attack on Governor Simba Arati, accusing him of using fraudulent academic qualifications to run the county.
Donya’s remarks sparked uproar among attendees, with some shouting her down while others cheered her boldness. The burial, initially meant to be a solemn occasion, turned into a political battlefield as tensions soared between supporters and critics of Governor Arati.
The event was attended by a host of notable leaders, including DAP-K Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, and former Kisii Governor James Ongwae. What began as tributes to Mama Kwamboka’s life and legacy soon escalated into a public confrontation, with Donya Toto’s allegations dominating the day’s discourse.
Senator Onyonka attempted to restore calm, urging leaders to use the occasion to unite the community rather than sow division. However, the damage had already been done, as the gathering remained polarized over the Woman Rep’s explosive claims.
Speaking later, Eugene Wamalwa called for restraint among leaders, emphasizing the need to respect grieving families during funerals. “While political accountability is crucial, there is a time and place for such discussions. Let us honor our traditions and give families the dignity they deserve during such moments,” Wamalwa stated.
Governor Arati, who was conspicuously absent from the burial, has yet to respond to the allegations. The accusations by Donya Toto have reignited debate over the governor’s academic credentials, an issue that has surfaced multiple times since his election.
Local residents expressed mixed reactions to the incident. While some applauded Donya for speaking out, others criticized her timing, arguing that funerals should remain apolitical.
The burial ended on a subdued note as mourners paid their final respects to Mama Kwamboka, a respected matriarch remembered for her contributions to the community. However, the day’s events have left lingering political tensions that are likely to shape Kisii County’s political landscape in the coming weeks.
The focus now shifts to Governor Arati’s camp, which faces mounting pressure to address the Woman Rep’s claims amidst growing scrutiny.
