A funeral service for three children killed in a road accident in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County, took a dramatic turn when chaos erupted after politicians were barred from addressing mourners.
Tensions flared when Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina defied the presiding bishop’s directive to steer clear of controversial political topics.
In a dramatic moment, Bishop Simon Munene grabbed the microphone from her, triggering an angry reaction from a section of mourners who demanded that the MP be allowed to speak.
“This is a burial ceremony and not a police rally… thank you,” said Bishop Munene.
Emotions ran high as the situation spiralled out of control, with irate residents shouting uncontrollably and disrupting the entire ceremony. The unrest escalated to the point where Bishop Munene was forced to flee for his safety as a group of agitated youths turned against him.
“That is not what we came here to do,” he said.
Earlier, the bishop had urged politicians to respect the occasion, focus on paying tribute to the departed, and stand in solidarity with the bereaved families.
“Hapa hatuongei kama SHA inafanya kazi ama haifanyi, kama barabara zimetengenezwa au la, kwa sababu tukifanya hivyo hatutakuwa na heshima kwa hawa watu ambao wamefiwa,” he said.
“Sisi kama viongozi lazima tupewe nafasi ya kuzungumza… na mimi nikizungumza natetea hawa wananchi,” Maina said in response.
The intervention of Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murango helped restore order, allowing the burial service to proceed after the politicians got their way.
