Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna attracted attention during the burial of Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police Lazarus Opicho in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, after a crowd reportedly followed him and chanted his name as he visited the washroom.
The incident came amid heightened political tension at the funeral, where several opposition leaders attended to pay their last respects to the late police officer.
Videos and updates shared on social media following the ceremony highlighted the attention Sifuna received from members of the public, with supporters continuing to show interest in the senator despite the restrictions placed on some leaders during the funeral programme.
Sifuna was among the politicians who were denied an opportunity to address mourners during the official ceremony on Friday, October 16. The decision followed political remarks made by some leaders, prompting security officials to limit further speeches.
Bumula MP Jack Wamboka was among those who had raised political issues during the ceremony, leading to an interruption of the programme.
However, the restrictions did not prevent Sifuna and other Linda Mwananchi-aligned leaders from engaging residents after the official proceedings.
The senator later addressed members of the public alongside Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya after the main funeral programme ended.
Sifuna subsequently criticised the decision to prevent him from speaking during the burial, saying he had attended to mourn the deceased rather than engage in political exchanges.
He also said he had forgiven the security officers involved, while blaming the broader situation on the government.
The events at Opicho’s burial have continued to generate debate online, particularly over the treatment of opposition politicians at public gatherings.
The crowd’s reported reaction to Sifuna during the visit to the washroom has added another talking point to the funeral, with supporters viewing the scenes as a demonstration of his growing public appeal.
The incident comes as Sifuna continues to strengthen his political profile ahead of the 2027 General Election, amid ongoing disagreements within ODM over the party’s future direction.