Tensions flared during the burial ceremony of lawmaker Mark Gicheru in Murang’a County on
President William Ruto’s administration. Both Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Ruto’s Senior Economic Advisor, Moses Kuria, faced a hostile crowd, with their speeches cut short amid chaos.
Moses Kuria Heckled by Mourners
Moses Kuria, among the high-profile attendees at the funeral, encountered intense backlash when he took to the podium. The crowd, already displeased by political tensions following former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment, loudly heckled Kuria, refusing to let him speak.
In a video circulating on social media, the crowd’s relentless protests drowned out Kuria’s voice. Attempts by the clergy to restore order by leading a hymn proved futile, forcing Kuria to abandon his speech and leave the podium in frustration.
Mourners Reject Speeches from Ruto and Kindiki
The hostility did not end with Kuria. The crowd also refused to listen to condolence messages from President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata and Kirinyaga Senator James Murango, tasked with delivering the leaders’ messages, were repeatedly interrupted by heckling. Despite efforts to calm the mourners, the situation escalated, and the speeches were cut short. To avoid further unrest, the clergy advised handing over the messages directly to the bereaved family.
Political Fallout from Gachagua’s Impeachment
The chaotic scenes highlighted growing political unrest in the Mount Kenya region following the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua. Once a key figure in the Kenya Kwanza administration, Gachagua’s removal has left a void that has unsettled his stronghold.
Adding to the discontent is a slew of grievances from voters, including the high cost of living, increased taxation, corruption allegations, and unpopular government policies. These factors have amplified dissatisfaction with Ruto’s leadership, further alienating his administration from a region that played a crucial role in his electoral success.
Mounting Pressure on the Government
The fallout at the funeral underscores the mounting pressure on President Ruto and his allies to address growing frustrations among citizens. For many, the administration’s failure to deliver on key promises and the perceived arrogance of its senior officials have only widened the gap between leaders and the people they serve.
As political tension simmers in Mount Kenya and beyond, the government faces an uphill task to restore public confidence and stability ahead of the next election cycle.
This dramatic turn of events marks yet another instance of voters holding leaders accountable in a region critical to Kenya’s political landscape.
