An unusual and somewhat awkward incident unfolded on August 6, 2023, at St Arnold Nyalienga Catholic Church in Kochia ward, Homa Bay County.
The event, a funds drive, saw the attendance of Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen as the main guest. However, what was meant to be a smooth and ceremonious reception turned into an unexpected scenario when local leaders failed to receive him as anticipated.
Traditionally, VIPs of Mr. Murkomen’s stature are greeted with a well-coordinated protocol involving police escorts, official flags, and local government representatives.
In this instance, the protocol seemed to have gone awry, leaving Mr. Murkomen and Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, who accompanied him, waiting for the customary welcome that never transpired.
As Mr. Murkomen arrived in a black SUV, devoid of the expected official flag, he found the VIP section devoid of attendees, including local leaders and national government officials.
The mismatch between expectations and reality became more evident as time passed, and the main guest, along with MP Caroli Omondi, remained seated, patiently awaiting the arrival of other dignitaries.
The incident took an ironic turn, as it was Mr. Murkomen who ended up welcoming the tardy leaders, a role reversal that underscored the unusual circumstances.
Typically, a VIP would be ushered in by a police motorcade, siren blaring, and a convoy of accompanying vehicles with the official flag.
However, in this case, Mr. Murkomen’s entrance was less than grand, marked by a helicopter landing nearby, a consequence of miscommunication regarding landing coordinates.
Officials from the Homa Bay County government clarified that the helicopter’s intended landing location had changed at the last minute, leading to confusion among the welcoming party.
Consequently, Mr. Murkomen arrived at an empty VIP section and had to wait for leaders to join him. The incident prompted discussions about potential communication breakdowns and logistical challenges that can disrupt even the most meticulously planned events.
Despite the unexpected turn of events, Mr. Murkomen expressed his affection for Homa Bay and indicated plans to revisit the county with his family.
Meanwhile, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga departed the event early to attend a funeral in a neighboring ward, highlighting the dynamic and ever-changing nature of such public gatherings.
