The clash follows strong criticism from Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli, who faulted Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya over remarks linked to Jirongo’s burial.
At the centre of the disagreement is a traditional Tiriki practice associated with deaths that occur under unclear circumstances.
Governor Natembeya had earlier explained that within Tiriki culture, a person who dies mysteriously may be buried with a lit torch.
The ritual is believed to symbolically expose those responsible for the death and deny them peace until justice is found.
He suggested that the custom could be applied during Jirongo’s burial to help uncover the truth behind his passing.
Natembeya linked Jirongo’s death to what he described as a troubling pattern involving the loss of prominent Luhya leaders who challenged state authority.
His remarks quickly attracted attention and sparked political reactions across the region.
Atwoli responded sharply, rejecting the idea and warning against what he viewed as the misuse of culture for political messaging.
He argued that such practices should not be used to intimidate or provoke fear among communities in Western Kenya.
He also questioned Natembeya’s standing to speak on sensitive cultural matters, pointing to the governor’s relatively recent rise in national politics.
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