No Viewing of Body, Family Only- Strict Rules at Rita Waeni’s Low-Key Funeral
On February 5, the late Rita Waeni was laid to rest in Mukimwani village within Makueni County by her family.
The burial ceremony, attended exclusively by immediate family members, was closely monitored by armed police officers who maintained a distance from astonished villagers.
The family’s stringent regulations were clear, permitting only individuals closely connected to Waeni to access the location.
A substantial number of police officers were positioned around the enclosed property to protect the family’s commitment to maintaining privacy during this challenging period.
The two-hour funeral, officiated by Pastor Fred Auma from Ridgeways Baptist Church in Nairobi, commenced at 8 am. The mood was filled with subdued expressions of a plea for justice, mirroring the sorrow and pain experienced by those who were close to the deceased university student.
Lillian Mutea, who is Waeni’s aunt and serves as the family spokesperson, communicated with close friends and relatives via a WhatsApp group that had been utilized for coordinating the funeral arrangements.
She conveyed appreciation for the backing, contributions, and prayers received from friends, colleagues, and fellow Kenyan citizens.
“We are at peace knowing that our extended family understands this decision,” she said.
Waeni, a student in her third year at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), faced a tragic fate following an encounter with an individual she had been in communication with on Instagram.
The family notified authorities of her disappearance on January 14 when she did not come back after meeting a friend in downtown Nairobi.
Ms. Mutea, the family representative, mentioned that they received a communication requesting a payment of Sh500,000 within the next 24 hours in exchange for Waeni’s freedom.
Despite the family had reported the incident to both the police and the DCI, they, unfortunately, were unable to pursue this course of action, as the woman was discovered deceased in an apartment on TRM Drive, and her head was found at Kiambaa Dam in Kiambu County.
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The funeral was postponed by a fortnight after the revelation, and investigators handed over Weni’s remains to the family on Friday, February 2nd.
At the event, a few individuals commemorated the 20-year-old for being a beacon of happiness, intellect, and compassion.
Stephen Muendo and Dorcas Mwende, the parents of Waeni, shared their sorrow in a statement and celebrated the lasting influence Waeni had on those in her life.
“Our daughter, Waeni, was an intelligent girl beyond her age. She was a spirited and caring individual known for her unwavering kindness, infectious laughter, and ability to light up any room she entered. We are saddened by the nature of her death but choose to forever cherish the countless memories of Waeni’s joyous presence and her dedication to making a positive impact on those around her. We thank God for the life we were able to have together,” the parents said in a statement.
This unfortunate incident marks the second loss within the family this January, with the passing of Mzee William Mutea, the family patriarch, preceding this tragic event.
“Waeni was the highlight during the burial of her grandfather in early January. She is the one who read the eulogy,” a neighbor said on condition of anonymity.
Several residents characterized Waeni as a devoted Christian who regularly attended the AIC Mukimwani church without exception whenever she visited the rural area.
“She was a well-behaved girl. When she joined the university she became a role model to our daughters,” a woman who requested not to be identified said.
Pauline Mutea, Waeni’s grandmother, expressed that the deceased woman held a unique and significant position in her affection.
“Waeni’s father is my firstborn and Waeni was his firstborn. Therefore Waeni was a very special grandchild. I am saddened to have to say goodbye to my oldest granddaughter Waeni whom I got to take care of as a baby,” she said.
No Viewing of Body, Family Only- Strict Rules at Rita Waeni’s Low-Key Funeral
