Siaya Governor James Orengo has stirred laughter and chatter at the burial of Eunice Nyangari Gachagua after a slip of the tongue that has forced him to correct himself on the spot, with Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua all seated within earshot.
This report draws on a live broadcast that K24 TV has been streaming on its Facebook page, along with the title and accompanying notes that have been circulating online.
The governor has taken the microphone to address mourners at the family home in Karicheni, Nyange Village, and has expressed confidence about the opposition’s prospects.
He has told the gathering that with Mr Gachagua on the frontline, and with Kalonzo, Sifuna, Maraga and himself standing alongside him, the team will succeed in sending Kasongo home.
The remark has been delivered in a mix of English and Kiswahili, a style that has often endeared him to crowds.
Then the slip has come. In the course of his remarks, Mr Orengo has appeared to say the team will manage to send Kalonzo home in 2027, a line that has instantly drawn a reaction from the audience.
The governor wanted to refer to Ruto by a nickname that has long been used for against President William Ruto, which has made the moment even more awkward.
Realizing the mix-up, the governor has moved quickly to retract the words and apologize. He has clarified that he has meant to speak about Mr Ruto and not the Wiper Party leader, and he has turned to Kalonzo to say sorry before carrying on with his speech.
Those present have responded with laughter and applause, and the mood in the tent has stayed light.
Kalonzo, who has been seated nearby, has appeared to take the correction in good humour, and the exchange has not disturbed the dignity of the service.
Clips of the moment have already spread across social media, where viewers have shared their own jokes and reactions. K24 TV’s broadcast has gathered well over a hundred reactions and several comments so far.
The incident has served as a reminder of how easily a small error can travel when cameras are rolling and political stakes are high.
For now, the opposition leaders have continued to console the family, and the burial has gone on as planned. Readers who wish to see the exchange for themselves have been invited to watch the recording online.