Governor Kenneth Lusaka of Bungoma has turned heads after revealing a little-known family connection to Governor Fernandes Barasa of Kakamega county, with the two county bosses coming together to mourn a shared relative.
Lusaka joined Barasa on Monday, September 21, to pay his last respects to the late Juliana Kasili, Barasa’s mother-in-law, in keeping with Luhya customs and traditions.
How is Lusaka related to Barasa?
What caught many people off guard was Lusaka’s disclosure that the late Kasili was not just his colleague’s relation, but also an aunt to his own wife, Dr Margaret Makelo, making Kasili a shared family figure for both governors.
Photos from the mourning event show the two governors in quiet conversation, and both were seen signing the visitors’ book.
The burial site where Kasili was laid to rest was also visible in the images shared alongside the post.
Lusaka shared the details of his attendance and the family connection on his Facebook page writing:
“I joined my colleague, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, in Luhya-Bwake where we mourned the passing of his mother-in-law, the late Juliana Kasili, in keeping with Luhya customs and traditions. The departed was also related to me, as she was an aunt to my wife, Dr Margaret Makelo. May the Almighty grant her soul eternal rest.”
The post generated warm responses from followers, many of whom offered their condolences to both families.
While the political relationship between the two governors has been visible, the family bond was news to most people.
Angeline Savala wrote:
“May mum’s soul rest in eternal peace. Amen.”
Naomi Mukhwana added:
“I am so sorry to the family.”
Sammy Masafu said:
“Thanks for standing in solidarity.”
