Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata and Kirinyaga Senator James Murango faced challenges delivering condolence messages from President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during the funeral of the late nominated MCA Mark Gicheru Wainaina on Saturday.
Ruto and Kindiki were absent from the burial service held in Kiharu but sent written condolence messages to be read to the family and mourners. However, when Senator Murango began reading Kindiki’s message, he was met with booing from the mourners.
“To the great people of Murang’a, fellow mourners, ladies and gentlemen…” Murango began, but the crowd interrupted him. Despite his plea, “Allow me to read so that we can give Mark respect,” the mourners persisted in their protest, signaling him to step down.
Sensing the hostile mood, the presiding priest intervened and asked Murango to hand over the condolence message directly to the family. Murango complied, returning the microphone to Governor Kang’ata before taking his seat.
The crowd applauded as Murango handed over the written message to the family, prompting the priest to urge calm. “Let us maintain peace in this service, thank you,” the priest said.
Governor Kang’ata, who held President Ruto’s condolence message, chose a similar approach. “Let me also request that I hand the speech of the President to the family,” he said before giving the paper to Wainaina’s family.
The burial service, held in Kirogo, Kiharu Constituency, Murang’a County, marked the farewell of Wainaina, who passed away on November 13 due to severe pulmonary disease that caused lung failure.
