Clerics Rebuke Politicians Over Funeral Politics, Defend Natembeya’s KSh5 Million Coffin Fund

A section of clergy from Western Kenya has warned politicians against turning funerals into political battlegrounds, condemning what they described as the growing trend of leaders exploiting grieving families and public gatherings for political mileage.

The clerics, led by Bishops Moses Waliaula, Emmanuel Simiyu Barasa and Raymond Mutama, criticized leaders they accused of using online supporters and political allies to attack Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya over the county government's decision to allocate KSh5 million in a supplementary budget to support vulnerable families with funeral expenses.

Speaking separately to Vision News on Sunday, the bishops expressed concern over what they termed as increasing disrespect during funeral services, where some politicians allegedly skip the religious and formal parts of burial ceremonies only to arrive later and address mourners.

According to the clerics, such conduct demonstrates insensitivity to bereaved families and undermines the solemnity of funeral gatherings.

The remarks come amid a heated political dispute in Trans Nzoia County following Governor Natembeya's decision to set aside KSh5 million to provide coffins for families unable to afford decent burials for their loved ones.

The allocation has attracted criticism from some leaders, including Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang, who argued that the funds would be better utilized in improving healthcare services and purchasing medicines for public hospitals.

However, Universal Pentecostal Christian Fellowship Head Bishop Raymond Mutama defended the allocation, describing it as a compassionate social protection measure aimed at preserving the dignity of poor families during bereavement.

“You are criticizing the governor for a social protection gesture, yet we know that when your own parents died, they were buried decently in caskets. One day you will also die and be placed in a casket. Leaders should exercise decorum when discussing such sensitive matters,” said Bishop Mutama.

Bishop Moses Waliaula accused some politicians opposing the initiative of pursuing political interests rather than genuine concern for public welfare.

He argued that while they oppose the county allocation, some leaders routinely make personal donations at funerals to gain political goodwill and strengthen their influence among voters.

“The intention by some politicians seeking to challenge Governor Natembeya in future elections is not entirely genuine. Some would rather have the allocation withdrawn so they can step in with personal donations and claim credit before the public,” Waliaula said.

The bishops further challenged critics of the county allocation to apply the same standards to national government spending on burials and support for prominent public figures.

Mutama noted that the Presidency has on numerous occasions provided financial assistance toward funeral expenses for state officials, national heroes and other notable personalities.

“It is hypocritical to condemn a county welfare programme meant to assist poor families while remaining silent when public resources are used to support burials for prominent individuals and state officials,” he said.

Bishop Emmanuel Simiyu Barasa echoed the sentiments, arguing that government support for funeral and medical expenses involving public servants has long been an accepted practice.

He cited recent incidents where government agencies stepped in to assist affected families following tragedies, saying the same compassion should be extended to ordinary citizens facing financial hardship.

“These leaders did not question government intervention when public institutions supported affected families during national tragedies. It is therefore unfair to attack a programme designed to help struggling households bury their loved ones with dignity,” Barasa said.

Meanwhile, Endebess parliamentary aspirant Chammi Simiyu faulted Members of Parliament for focusing on the county allocation while supporting the recently passed KSh4.82 trillion national budget and the Finance Bill.

He argued that many Kenyans are grappling with a high cost of living and expect national leaders to prioritize economic relief measures instead of engaging in political battles over welfare programmes.

Simiyu maintained that public frustration is increasingly directed at the National Assembly for approving substantial allocations to the Executive while many ordinary citizens continue to struggle with rising economic pressures.

The debate over the KSh5 million coffin fund has now evolved into a broader political contest, exposing deep divisions among Trans Nzoia leaders as the county heads toward a highly charged election period.