Mourners Reject Ruto and Kindiki’s Condolence Messages at MCA’s Burial

A funeral service in Murang’a turned dramatic as mourners refused to allow the condolence messages from President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki to be read.

Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata and Kirinyaga County Speaker Muteti Murimi were tasked with delivering the leaders’ messages during the burial of nominated MCA Mark Gicheru Wainaina in Kiharu, Murang’a County, on Saturday. However, the mourners rejected the move, causing an unexpected interruption.

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Speaker Murimi, who began reading Kindiki’s message, was met with loud boos. Despite his efforts to calm the crowd and plead for respect for the late MCA, the mourners persisted, forcing him to stop. “Allow me to read so that we can give Mark respect,” he appealed, but the congregation waved him off, signaling him to sit down.

Sensing the tension, the presiding priest intervened, advising Murimi to hand over the message to the family instead of continuing. The speaker complied, returning the microphone to Governor Kang’ata amidst cheers and applause from the mourners.

Governor Kang’ata, holding President Ruto’s condolence message, opted not to read it either. “Let me also request that I hand the speech of the President to the family,” he said, passing the document to the bereaved family.

The burial service, held in Kirogo, Kiharu constituency, highlighted the charged atmosphere, with the presiding priest urging peace and decorum during the event.