MURANG’A, Kenya — Tensions flared at the funeral of nominated MCA Mark Gicheru Wainaina in Kiharu, Murang’a County, as mourners disrupted attempts to deliver condolence messages from President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
The burial service on Saturday was marked by a charged atmosphere when Kirinyaga County Speaker Muteti Murimi attempted to read Kindiki’s message.
Mourners began booing loudly as he started, forcing him to pause and plead for decorum.
“Allow me to read so that we can give Mark respect,” Murimi urged, but the crowd remained unyielding, insisting he resume his seat.
Recognizing the hostility, the presiding priest intervened, urging calm and advising Murimi to hand over the message to Wainaina’s family instead.
The speaker acquiesced, handing the message to the family amid applause and cheers from the mourners.
Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, who was holding President Ruto’s condolence message, chose a similar route.
Addressing the congregation, he said, “Let me also request that I hand the speech of the President to the family,” before following through.
The presiding priest appealed for peace during the service, thanking mourners for their cooperation as Kang’ata concluded his brief remarks.
The funeral, held in Kirogo village, drew a significant crowd mourning the late Wainaina, who passed away on November 13 due to severe pulmonary disease that led to lung failure.
The burial service on Saturday was marked by a charged atmosphere when Kirinyaga County Speaker Muteti Murimi attempted to read Kindiki’s message.
Mourners began booing loudly as he started, forcing him to pause and plead for decorum.
“Allow me to read so that we can give Mark respect,” Murimi urged, but the crowd remained unyielding, insisting he resume his seat.
Recognizing the hostility, the presiding priest intervened, urging calm and advising Murimi to hand over the message to Wainaina’s family instead.
The speaker acquiesced, handing the message to the family amid applause and cheers from the mourners.
Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, who was holding President Ruto’s condolence message, chose a similar route.
Addressing the congregation, he said, “Let me also request that I hand the speech of the President to the family,” before following through.
The presiding priest appealed for peace during the service, thanking mourners for their cooperation as Kang’ata concluded his brief remarks.
The funeral, held in Kirogo village, drew a significant crowd mourning the late Wainaina, who passed away on November 13 due to severe pulmonary disease that led to lung failure.
