By MN Reporter

Migori governor Zachary Obado was forced to hire his own public address systems at the funeral of Benta Likowa, wife of former Migori MP Owino Likowa on Saturday.

Irate mourners shut off the existing PAS which was hired by Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leaders, overturned chairs and pulled down tents when Obado tried to address them by snatching the microphone away from Siaya senator James Orengo.

Bodyguards and politicians pulled off pistols scaring away mourners and forcing the body of the deceased to buried as youths allied to Obado and ODM were held in a standoff.

Trouble started when Obado arrived at the funeral after Suna East MP Junet Mohammed, Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo and Orengo were already at the venue.

Midiwo spoke before Obado who was invited by Junet but insisted he was not going to before Orengo.

“I’m the governor and the host and will insist on speaking after Orengo. That’s the protocol,” Obado said.

But he got irritated when Orengo said that the Cord alliance wasn’t sure if Migori was under them or Jubilee alliance and called on residents to help him make a decision.

 “Migori is a Cord zone and we need to come clearly to know if we have a Cord or Jubilee governor to help us in pushing the coalition agenda nationally,” he said.

The openly irritated Obado and his supporters tried to take the microphone away from Orengo before Likowa came to offer a truce.

“The incident was unfortunate but as a seasoned politician Obado was to leave Orengo to finish addressing mourners before he had his chance to speak,” Likowa.

Tension flared further when Obado tried to remove Orengo from a seat he insisted was designated for e

Likowa later hosted Orengo, Junet, Jakoyo and local ODM leaders in his house leaving Obado in the compound alone forcing him to hire PAS.

After consoling the family the ODM left the compound with all mourners following them outside leaving Obado to address his supporters alone in the compound.