Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna joined Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah on Saturday in Kabula Bumula constituency. The two leaders came together as the Omtatah family laid to rest Maria Gorretti who was Okiya’s sister.
Sifuna shared photos from the burial on his Facebook page shortly after arriving at the venue. He wrote that he was standing with his brother Omtatah during this difficult moment. His post quickly gathered more than fifteen hundred reactions from Kenyans online.
Photos from the event showed Sifuna and Omtatah seated together under a white tent. Both men looked solemn but were seen having quiet conversations throughout the ceremony. Other images captured mourners filing past the white coffin while a large crowd sat under canopies nearby.
Sifuna was not the only political figure who showed up. Former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale also attended alongside activist Majimbo Kalasinga and several other leaders from western Kenya. Their presence turned a private family loss into a public display of unity among regional politicians.
This gathering comes at a time when western Kenya leaders are working to position Sifuna as an important figure in the region’s political future. His allies believe his national profile combined with his frequent visits to western Kenya make him a strong unifying voice ahead of the next elections.
The funeral proceeded smoothly under clear weather throughout the day. Relatives and neighbours filled the compound alongside political associates who came to pay their respects.
Sifuna is expected to address mourners later in the afternoon. Insiders say his speech will focus on comforting the Omtatah family while highlighting friendships that go beyond political lines.