Tony Waswa, the late brother of Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula and Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi was buried on Wednesday at Mukhweya, Kabuchai in Bungoma County. The 48-year old, who was the personal assistant of MP Wanyonyi died last week at the Aga Khan hospital in Nairobi after a period of illness.
The function lasted less than an hour under strict burial guidelines observing Coronavirus health directives. The body was brought on a chopper with health officials clad in protective gear receiving the body. Few people, including leaders and family members were present. Residents who wanted to witness the funeral were kept at bay by police officers.
Senator Wetangula said Tony was always a unifying factor in their family, adding that since he was around the precincts of parliament people thought he was an MP because he was always smartly dressed. He urged Kenyans to keep the Ministry of Health guidelines to tackle the Coronavirus, noting that the disease has caused damage globally. On his part, Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi said Tony started working for him before he became an MP, when he was still a counselor and that he entrusted him with several duties which he fully delivered. He said Tony’s death was sudden. Among leaders present were Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula, Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi Bungoma woman representative Catherine Wambilianga, Trans Nzoia woman representative Janet Nangabo, Sirisia MP John Waluke among others.
However, reports have been rife that Tony died of Covid-19, a question which was posed for Health CS Mutahi Kagwe on Tuesday, saying a definite answer on the cause of his death can’t be given and contact tracing will be required if needed, “Standard procedure is in contact tracing, it’s assumed that if you’ve been close to someone who has tested positive or died of the disease then it’s presumed that you are a contact and could’ve been exposed to the virus,” said CS Kagwe.