Kenyans witnessed the usual ugly spectacle of politicians turning funerals into their political rallies at Ol Kalou Stadium during the burial of legislator David Njuguna Kiaraho, a three-term MP who died last month while undergoing treatment in Nairobi.
The grieving family members burying their loved were dumped on the side and could as well have left when the politicians decided this was their day for a big political fight because both President William Ruto and his impeached DP Rigathi Gachagua were there so this was a fighting day and the M.P’s body had to just stay calm in the coffin until the politicians finished their fights.
It was all started when the Funeral Party of Kenya (FPK) Commander-in-Chief, Rigathi Gachagua rose to speak and ignoring the mourning family of the late M.P David Njuguna launched his war against his political rivals.
Gachagua spoke directly and without hesitation. He reminded the president of past advice and blamed some of his current allies for political troubles in the Mt Kenya region.
Tensions started when Nyandarua Senator John Methu broke protocol in his remarks, criticising stalled infrastructure projects, including the Kariamu–Shamata road, and referring to Gachagua as the “People’s Deputy President”, a remark that drew murmurs from the crowd.
His microphone was switched off by the funeral committee chair, Kinangop MP Kwenya Thuku, as he continued speaking.
From there on it was fireworks at MP. Njuguna Kiaraho funeral as some opposition leaders saw this as their parliament to fight even though some of the politicians fighting at the funeral are senators who have never uttered a word in the senate but are orators in funerals.
FPK here we come in Ol Kalou
David Kiaraho’s funeral committee condemns Rigathi Gachagua, his allies for politicking at funeral
David Kiaraho’s Funeral Committee Condemns Rigathi Gachagua, His Allies for Politicking at Funeral
The National Assembly special committee that was assembled to plan the funeral of deceased Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho has condenmned the politicisation of their colleague’s funeral service held Wednesday, April 9, at Ol Kalou Stadium.
The event, for the first time, brought together President William Ruto and his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua.
At his chance to address the mourners, Gachagua lashed out at Ruto.
His speech branched from the solemnity of the occasion to politics of the day, using the chance to interrogate his impeachment in October 2024.
Gachagua accused Ruto of betraying the Mt Kenya region, which contributed significantly to his victory in 2022, by blessing his impeachment.
He went on to attack the allies of Ruto, ranging from Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, whom he said were traitors who threw their fellow native under the bus.
Meeting a day after the funeral, the committee said the politics were unwarranted and which robbed the funeral of its dignity.
Speaking during a review and debriefing meeting with security agencies, the committee chairman Kwenya Thuku expressed regret over the events at the memorial service that was meant for Ol Kalou voters to honour their late legislator.
“It’s regrettable, unimaginable and pathetic that politics took centre stage at a solemn service which was meant to give Hon. Kiaraho a good send-off by his people,” stated Kwenya.
“As a Committee we condemn the hijacking of such a solemn moment to spew political hatred, despite the Organizing Committee’s kindness of gracefully extending a chance to the said politicians to speak to the mourners.”
Citing instances where certain politicians used the podium to attack perceived opponents, including the president, the committee warned against similar behaviour during the requiem service and burial ceremony at the late MP’s Tigoni home.
“The attacks on the Office and the Person of the Head of State were unthinkable in such a situation where His Excellency, the President only came to honor the late MP and condole with his family and constituents,” regretted Kwenya.
According to the committee, all individuals, whether leaders or not, deserve respect at a funeral of such magnitude.
The chairman issued a stern warning to politicians with ulterior motives to stay away from subsequent services.
“We cannot allow such kind of disrespect, therefore the characters are not welcome to further funeral service events for Hon. Kiaraho. We shall not entertain any further spewing of venom at a funeral meant to pay respects to our departed colleague,” Kwenya said.
