Drama in Embu: Mourners Reject Ruto’s Condolence Message at Kivuti’s Son’s Burial- “Usitusomee”
A funeral in Embu took an unexpected turn on Friday, January 3, when mourners rejected a condolence message from President William Ruto.
The message had been brought by Justin Muturi, the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, who had been sent by the president to attend the burial of Eric Mutugi Kivuti, the son of former Embu senator Lenny Kivuti. The funeral took place in Kanyuambora, Mbeere North sub-county.
During the event, Muturi shared his tribute before announcing that he had a message of condolence from President Ruto to read out loud.
He said, “I have received a message of condolence from His Excellency the President…yes? I have also conveyed my message of condolence to Honourable Lenny Kivuti. That’s mine. I have given my message; isn’t that true?” However, things took a turn when Muturi revealed that he was representing the president.
As soon as he mentioned the president, the mood in the crowd shifted, and murmurs of disapproval started.
The noise grew louder, and Muturi asked the mourners if he should continue reading the message. “Now, where I’ve reached is to say that I’ve received the message…yes. Should I share it with you? Are you saying I should read it or not?” he asked.
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The response was clear. The mourners strongly objected and told him not to read it out loud. “Usisome…usitusomee. Give it to the family,” they shouted, drowning out Muturi’s voice.
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After a quick conversation with some people in the crowd, Muturi decided not to read the message.
He humorously acknowledged the situation by quoting late politician John Joseph Kamotho’s saying about the “noise vote,” suggesting that the crowd’s reaction had influenced his choice. “I have been advised wisely; you know, as a former Speaker, and you remember the late JJ Kamotho used to speak about ‘the noise vote.’ I have heard that noise vote,” Muturi said.
This was not the first time President Ruto had faced such a response from the public. He had previously experienced a similar situation during a church function in Embu on November 16, where the crowd jeered at his remarks about affordable housing and the SHIF program.
Despite the backlash, he continued with his speech, although it was clear that many in the audience were unhappy with the government’s policies.
Drama in Embu: Mourners Reject Ruto’s Condolence Message at Kivuti’s Son’s Burial- “Usitusomee”
