By REUBEN OLITA
October 11, 2026| Teso South MP Mary Emaase has urged her Teso North counterpart, Oku Kaunya, to remain steadfast in sponsoring vulnerable children despite criticism from his detractors.
Speaking on Saturday during the burial service of siblings Ken Ikomol Barasa, 37, and lawyer Cynthia Atieno Barasa, 32, at Kamolo Comprehensive School grounds, Emaase said the criticism would not derail the MP’s efforts to support needy learners.
“I reiterate my appeal to my brother Oku: Do not despair. Continue sponsoring our vulnerable children who cannot make ends meet. Help them realise their cherished dreams,” Emaase said.
She expressed confidence that the criticism would be overcome, invoking God’s protection and guidance.
Clan Raises Questions Over Deaths of Scholarship Beneficiaries
Ikomolo-Igiroi clan chairman Joel Okomol said the deaths of the two siblings had left the community devastated, particularly because Cynthia had benefited from a full scholarship funded through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF).
“It is painful because our daughter Cynthia, who received a full scholarship through NG-CDF funding, had completed her education with a Bachelor of Laws degree,” Okomol said.
He questioned why several beneficiaries of the education support programme from the clan had died.
“What is ailing the Ikomol-Igiroi clan? Lawyer Cynthia, pilot Alex Oluka and clinical officer Chrispinus Omusugu all received full scholarships, yet they are no longer with us. We are puzzled,” he said.
Teso North MP Oku Kaunya described Cynthia as his daughter and said she had planned to join the Kenya School of Law to pursue her ambition of becoming a fully fledged advocate.
“She would have gone far. Her death has devastated me. I remember that in 2022, Cynthia crisscrossed the county with her colleagues to campaign for me. Let us accept that God has taken her,” Kaunya said.
His personal assistant, lawyer Opuru Deogratius, who delivered a condolence message on behalf of Justice Emeritus Emukule, said four people who had benefited from full NG-CDF scholarships had died. They included Cynthia and Ken Barasa, pilot Alex Oluka and clinical officer Chrispinus Omusugu, whose body was reportedly found in Mombasa. Omusugu is scheduled to be buried on October 23.
“I agree that witchcraft exists, and God forbid, but I do not agree with sacrificing somebody’s life,” Opuru said.
Competition Authority advocate Vitalis Omulepu, another beneficiary of the NG-CDF scholarship programme, urged Kaunya to continue supporting vulnerable learners, expressing confidence that the criticism would be overcome.
Leaders Make Pledges in Honour of the Siblings
Malaba South MCA Bonface Ekada Mamai urged Kaunya to support another aspiring lawyer from Kamolo Division to continue the legacy of Cynthia, whose legal career was cut short by her death.
Arthur Amug Osiya, PAS in the Executive Office of the President and a gubernatorial aspirant, pledged to install solar lights worth KSh1 million at Kamolo Comprehensive School in honour of the deceased siblings.
“This will enable learners to study early using solar lighting,” Osiya said, adding that he would extend a similar initiative to Onyunyuru Secondary School.
Busia Woman Representative aspirant Evalyne Ikwii Omasaja pledged to ensure that residents accessed the benefits available through the office, including grants and bursaries.
Teso North MP aspirant Imwene Ichasi urged President William Ruto to consider awarding the ambassadorial position he had promised the community to a deserving person from Kamolo Division.
Former area MCA Philip Emaset called for KSh10 million from the KSh30 million pledged by Ruto to be allocated to a deserving school in Kamolo.
Ken’s daughter, a Grade Nine learner at St Teresa Chakol Comprehensive School, appealed to political leaders to help her mother, Lynette Obali, secure permanent employment. Obali is currently working on temporary terms at Alupe University.
How the Siblings Drowned
According to the account presented, Ken travelled from Kitengela to Mombasa on Thursday, September 10, 2026, accompanied by his partner, Jane Mwangi. They were later joined by their sister, Ketty Barasa, a Mombasa resident.
While in Mombasa, the group hired a 40-seater boat for a trip to visit Fort Jesus. Those aboard were Ken, Cynthia, Jane, Ketty and Ketty’s child.
The boat reportedly capsized after encountering strong waves as the group returned from Fort Jesus. Jane, Ketty and her child were rescued, but Ken and Cynthia drowned.
Their bodies were recovered on Sunday, September 13, by marine police and taken to the Coast General Hospital mortuary in Mombasa for postmortem examinations. The bodies were later airlifted to Eldoret before being transferred to Delight Mortuary in Bungoma.
Bishop Cautions Against Divisive Politics
In his sermon, Bishop James Ogago of the Hossana Most High Foundation Church warned against using witchcraft claims to frighten people or discourage them from pursuing their ambitions.
“Some people do not want others to progress. I support the government in power because God has sanctioned it,” he said.
Ogago called for peaceful political campaigns, saying leaders should avoid divisive politics and respect the electorate’s right to participate in democratic processes.
“I discard the politics of segregation. We have a right to contribute. Let God make His choice of the leader we want. Be a leader who unites people,” he said.
The burial brought together political leaders, education stakeholders, members of the bereaved family and residents, with several speakers calling for continued investment in education and support for vulnerable learners.