Drama as Gor Mahia fans take over prayer service, leave with Bokellos body

There was drama at Bokello’s final prayer service in Masogo Secondary School, Kisumu County on Saturday after Gor Mahia fans disrupted the function and made away with the deceased’s body.

The unrest began at noon when K’Ogalo’s renowned fan Jared Obonyo, better known Jaro Soja, was called to the podium to pay last tribute to the fallen film star on behalf of the entire Kogalo fraternity.

Gor Mahia devotees, who had come to pay their final respects, moved to the dais and each demanded to say a word.

With the microphone in their possession, the Gor diehards decided to take over emceeing of the ceremony since according to them, “the function was delaying, and they had a game to go watch at 4pm.”

“Sisi kama watu wa K’Ogalo tumehuzunishwa sana na jinsi wanasiasa wanataka kuchukua hii matanga (We Gor Mahia fans are deeply saddened by the way politicians want to take control of this funeral service), one devotee was heard as saying.

Kisumu Senator Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o had to be whisked away after the disorderly youths destroyed the stage.

Things got out of hand when the rest of the mourners disagreed with their (fans) actions. The irate group thereafter carried Bokello’s casket from where it was resting and left with it to the late actor’s home in Kobura.

According to reports, the Gor supporters wanted to rush the program so that they could attend the club’s match which was scheduled for 4pm.

Gor Mahia faced off Sony Sugar FC at the Moi Stadium, Kisumu in the Kenya Premier League Top 8 Cup final which they won 2-1.

One resident reported some Gor Mahia fans were overheard saying: “we have achieved what brought us here – causing chaos.”

Word additionally has it that Gor fans had planned to take over running of the program as early as the day before burial.

The chaos were nevertheless pacified as some attendees of the prayer service followed  the Gor Mahia fans who had carried the body to Bokello’s home in Kobura.

Security officers were deployed in the area.

With tranquility back, some politicians went ahead to deliver their speeches to the audience.

Bon Aggrey Okello who was also known as Bokello passed away in October 25 at the Mater Hospital in Nairobi after a four-week long illness.

He was buried by Gor fans Saturday at 1pm – reportedly without the presence of family, clergy, colleagues or friends.

Bokello was a loyal Gor Mahia fan

During the Friday requiem mass of the late actor held at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi, Jaro Soja described Bokello as one of Gor Mahia’s most dedicated fans: “We have lost a great fan of Gor Mahia who was very loyal to the club,” he said.

Because of his avid support of the local football powerhouse, Gor staunch supporters turned up in numbers to bid him farewell.

Also present at the burial were members of the Royal Media Services family. Fellow actors and Ramogi FM presenters, who worked alongside Bokello, mourned the fallen thespian, praising him for his rich talent and work diligence.

Bon was an actor with the popular Inspekta Mwala Television comedy series and a radio presenter at Ramogi FM.

He played a junior police officer at Kona Mbaya Police Station on Inspekta Mwala. On Radio Ramogi he was famously known as Wuon Ombugu ( Ombugu’s father).

He joined Royal Media Services in September 2006 where he served until his demise.

He is survived by wife, Veronica Okello and a son.