Peter Kimani got arrested in Lumakanda, Kakamega County, after police found him selling torches to mourners at the funeral of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo. The incident happened around the burial site on December 30, 2025, as thousands gathered for the send-off.
Jirongo died in a road crash on December 13 along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway. Police ruled it an accident. But many in western Kenya doubted that. They wanted traditional rites.
In some Luhya customs, especially among the Tiriki, a lit torch goes into the grave for unnatural deaths. People believe it helps the spirit find those responsible.
The torch became a big talking point. Senator Boni Khalwale showed up with one the day before. He performed rituals near the casket. Moses Kuria offered to buy one earlier.
Other leaders talked about it too. Some family and committee members pushed back. They called it outdated. Fred Gumo, heading the burial plans, wanted a dignified Christian service.
With all the attention, torches turned into a hot item. Mourners wanted them for the ritual or as symbols. Kimani saw a chance. He set up near the home or grounds selling them. Prices went up quickly with demand.
Police moved in. They took him for questioning. No clear charge mentioned yet. Maybe disturbing peace or hawking without a permit. Funerals draw big crowds. Vendors sell food, water, and chairs. But this felt different because of the sensitivity.
Lumakanda was filled with people that day. Leaders like former President Uhuru Kenyatta attended. President Ruto sent messages. The service mixed church and some culture. No torch went in the grave, from reports.
The arrest surprised some. Hawkers are common at big events. But tension was high. Talks of foul play lingered. Police kept tight security.
Kimani comes from the area. Locals know him as a small trader. He probably thought it was just business. Others saw it as profiting from grief.
This small event shows how charged the funeral was. Culture clashed with modern views. Some defended the rites as heritage. Others said focus on healing.
Jirongo left a mark in politics. He rose fast in the 1990s. Served as minister. Known for bold moves. His death closed that era for many.
As the burial ended, people headed home. Questions remain for some. Police closed the crash case. The family accepted it.
Lumakanda returned quietly. Vendors packed up. One arrest stood out in the day.
Stories like this happen at emotional times. A man trying to make money. Authorities stepping in. It adds to the memories of Jirongo’s send-off.
Western Kenya watches such customs. They evolve. Not everyone agrees anymore.
For now, the torch talk fades. Jirongo rests next to family. Mourners remember his life. The arrest is a footnote. But it caught attention online and locally.
Police might release Kimani soon. Or fine him. Details are scarce so far.
Funerals bring communities together. This one had extra layers. Politics, tradition, doubt. All mixed in.
People in Kakamega talk about it still. What the rites mean today. How to honour the dead. Jirongo’s story ends there. A trader’s brief trouble reminds us of the day’s heat.
