The solemn occasion of Jimi Wanjigi’s father’s funeral took an unexpected turn yesterday, as Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria faced uproarious opposition from the gathered mourners. What started as a moment of remembrance swiftly evolved into a charged political battleground, with emotions running high and voices raised in defiance.
The disruption began when CS Moses Kuria, known for his outspoken support of Deputy President William Ruto, stepped up to deliver his eulogy. Witnesses reported that as Kuria commenced his speech, a group of attendees started chanting, "Ruto must go," drowning out his words in a cacophony of dissent. The intensity of the moment was palpable, as mourners clashed over the appropriateness of injecting political rhetoric into a funeral setting.
Fred Destiny, a visibly perturbed mourner, commented, "That was obvious because it was an Azimio-led event. Tensions were bound to flare." His sentiment echoed widespread speculation that the chants were orchestrated by supporters of the Azimio la Umoja coalition, a political alliance opposed to Deputy President Ruto.
Mungai Sam, another attendee, added a touch of humor amidst the tension, remarking, "He will say they were sent by the villager 😂😂," alluding to the frequent dismissive tone Kuria often adopts towards political opponents.
Gituriti Chacha weighed in with a reminder of campaign promises, stating, "The President must remember what he told us during the campaign." This sentiment underscored the disillusionment felt by some attendees towards the current administration.
The incident has sparked heated debates across social media platforms, with Kenyans divided over the appropriateness of political demonstrations at solemn events. While some argue that funerals should remain apolitical, others contend that public figures should expect scrutiny and critique from all quarters, regardless of the occasion.
As tensions simmer and opinions clash, the funeral of Jimi Wanjigi’s father serves as a stark reminder of Kenya's deeply entrenched political divisions, where even moments of grief are not immune to the specter of partisan discord.