Residents of Nyatarugo in Kisii county staged demonstrations on Thursday, February 11, protesting the decision to move the late Simeon Nyachae's funeral service from Musa Nyandusi stadium to Gusii stadium.
Nyandusi stadium had been chosen as the venue for the funeral service to be held on Monday, February 15 - before organisers decided to change the venue.
The organisers demolished tents and moved equipment from Nyandusi stadium to the new venue, prompting the protest.
Local businessmen had bought new stock as they anticipated to receive a wide range of visitors at the event, and had set up temporary business structures, only for the change to be made abruptly, causing them losses.
The decision was reportedly arrived upon after Nyachae's family felt that Covid-19 containment protocols would be hard to achieve at the Musa Nyandusi stadium due to limited space.
A memorial service was held in honor of the former Cabinet minister at Maxwell Seventh Adventist Church.
Political leaders among them ODM leader Raila Odinga, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, ANC party leader Musalia Mudavadi, Interior CS Fred Matiang'i, NARC Kenya leader Martha Karua, Health CS Mutahi Kagwe graced the event.
The leaders described Mzee Nyachae as a charismatic politician whose influence and impact was still being felt to date. For instance, CS Matiang'i referred to himself as Mzee Nyachae's son owing to the immense impact Nyachae had in his life.
"Like a child who looks up to his towering father, I actually never thought in my life that such a day would come. For 20 years, I have had the privilege of working closely with Mzee Simeon Nyachae," he stated.
President Uhuru Kenyatta, whose tribute to Nyachae was read by CS Kagwe, noted the achievements that earned the former minister success in the three administrations that he served.
"Kenya is undoubtedly better for having Mzee Nyachae and his legacy is fundamentally entwined with the peace, prosperity and democracy that all Kenyans enjoy today," Uhuru stated.
Mzee Nyachae died on Monday, February 1, after a long illness. He will be laid to rest on Monday, February 15 at his Nyosia home in Kisii County.
