Chaos Erupts at Funeral as Crowd Rejects President Ruto’s Condolence Message
Public Service CS Justin Muturi faced a challenging moment at the burial of former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti’s son, Eric Kivuti, when mourners prevented him from reading President William Ruto’s condolence message.
The President was unable to attend the ceremony on Friday as he was attending the burial of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula’s mother in Bungoma, but he had sent a message to be delivered to the attendees.
As Muturi began to read the message, the crowd interrupted with boos, making it difficult for him to proceed. Addressing the situation, he asked the mourners, “Should I read it or not?” The crowd responded with chants of “Usisome” (don’t read).
Muturi then consulted the presiding bishop and remarked, “I have been advised, and as a former Speaker, I respect the voice of the people. I will deliver the message directly to Hon. Lenny Kivuti.”
Eric Mutugi Kivuti passed away last week at MP Shah Hospital after a brief illness. This incident echoed a similar occurrence in November 2024, during the burial of late nominated MCA Mark Gicheru Wainaina.
At that event, mourners also rejected condolence messages delivered on behalf of President Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
In both cases, representatives were forced to hand over the written messages to the bereaved families rather than read them aloud, highlighting the public’s growing dissatisfaction during such ceremonies.
