Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi during the funeral service on September 20,2025/COURTESY
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi clashed with a priest Saturday during the burial of his aunt, Pauline Chelimo, after the cleric attempted to stop politicians from addressing mourners.
Sudi, visibly agitated, insisted that political leaders had a right to speak at the funeral.
He explained that he had endured many struggles alongside his late aunt and felt it was only right to pay tribute publicly.
“Mimi nataka niombe kanisa kwa heshima kubwa. Hatujakuja hapa kufurahi, na huyu auntie nimeteseka na yeye sana, nimehangaika na yeye sana," he said.
(I would like to address the church with great respect. We're not here to celebrate, and this auntie has caused me a lot of pain — I've struggled with her deeply)
"Nataka tumpatie yeye heshima (I’d like us to accord her the respect she deserves)."
He told the priest that if he was unwilling to allow leaders to speak, there were other clergy who could continue with the service.
"Padre, kama hauna time, tuko na padre wengine. Unaweza enda na huyu padre aendelee. Tuheshimiane," he stated.
(Father, if you don’t have time, we have other priests. You may step aside and let another priest take over. Let’s show respect to one another)
The leaders were then allowed to deliver their addresses.
Away from the confrontation, the legislator lauded the government for strengthening security in the Kerio Valley but urged bandits, regardless of kinship ties,to surrender their firearms.
“Bandits are enemies of progress. They must surrender to the relevant authorities or face the law,” he warned.
The burial, held in Uasin Gishu, drew several leaders including Governor Jonathan Bii, who joined mourners in paying tribute to thelate Chelimo.
