A section of Tachoni leaders have come out to vehemently defend Ndivisi MCA Martin Pepela Wanyonyi over claims that he went against the Tachoni tradition. According to one Tachoni elder, Mr. Eric Wambasi, the Ndivisi MCA went against tradition by criticizing the Bungoma Sports, Gender, Culture CEC Mrs Everline Kakai Bunusu, saying she didn’t support the initiates pass out ceremony.
Wambasi said the MCA used harsh words to fault the CEC who also happens to be a Tachoni from Webuye East, “On a day when we have a pass out ceremony, we’re supposed to be humble and bless our children, not to criticize one of our own,” he said. He said he had a meeting with other community elders and it was decided that the MCA should give out a ram and a cock in order to be cleansed after his harsh comments.
However, another faction of Tachoni elders led by the Tachoni welfare and culture chairman Mr. Sitati Patrick Lichuma have termed Wambasi’s demands as laughable and built on malice, with intentions to spoil the MCA’s reputation. They said MCA Wanyonyi didn’t do anything wrong to warrant any punishment, and urged Wambasi to reveal who he is working for since the CEC didn’t file any complains.
They said someone can only be fined if he or she goes to an elder’s house during the ceremony uninvited and a penalty is decided after serious consideration, adding that the MCA is a Tachoni and their is no fault if he is present at the pass out ceremony once initiates have left the river. They faulted Wambasi, saying he can’t speak on behalf of the community, since the faction led by former chairman Mr. Wasilwa Wekesa was replaced a long time ago.
They’ve also given him a one week ultimatum to issue an apology to the MCA or face severe consequences. The Tachoni elders council has faced consistent wrangles, with members of the community unsure of who to follow.
