A tense moment marred the funeral service of the late nominated MCA Mark Gicheru Wainaina in Murang’a on Saturday, as mourners rejected Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s condolence message.
The incident occurred after Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata invited a representative to read Kindiki’s message to the grieving family and the congregation.
Traditionally, condolence messages from the president and deputy president are read aloud if they are not present at such events. However, the representative could not finish even the first sentence of Kindiki’s message before the crowd erupted in boos, signaling their discontent.
“This is to the family of our departed colleague. To the great people of Murang’a. Let us listen,” the representative urged, as the crowd continued to jeer.
The clergy overseeing the service quickly intervened, directing that Kindiki’s message be handed directly to the family to restore order.
Recognizing the crowd’s sentiment, Kang’ata took a similar approach and passed on President William Ruto’s speech to the family, a move that was met with applause from the mourners.
Earlier, Moses Kuria, a senior economic advisor to President Ruto, faced backlash when he delved into political matters during his address. His remarks drew disapproval from the crowd, forcing him to abandon his speech.
To de-escalate the situation, the presiding priest led a worship hymn, effectively cutting short Kuria’s address and refocusing the service.
