The differences between President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto played out after supporters of the two leaders met at the home of a family that lost five in an accident.
The president contributed Sh1 million through area MP Muturi Kigano (Kangema Constituency) while his deputy gave Sh300,000 through Kandara MP Alice Wahome and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro.
The Kangema MP Kigano said that President Kenyatta summoned him to State House on Wednesday morning over the matter and that he had committed to support the family in burial preparations.
But when the two MPs arrived at the home, the MP said the President did not need extra help in facilitating the burial.
He, however, noted that no help would be rejected as the family needs any support available but admonished his two counterparts for visiting his constituency without informing him.
While delivering his speech, Kigano asked leaders to keep off politics and restrict themselves to comforting the family.
He referenced an incident where Ndindi and a host of Kieleweke MPs led by Maina Kamanda clashed in a church at Gitui Catholic Church in Kiharu Constituency last year, culminating in Ndindi’s arrest.
Ndindi, however, said the incident touched him personally and that he had come to represent the Deputy President and give his individual condolences. The Kiharu MP lauded Kenyatta and other leaders for their support.
On her part, Kandara MP Wahome said she had reached out to Kigano’s staff and that she was informed that he was in a meeting.
She said that she forwarded news articles to DP Ruto and he indicated that he would support the family. He also asked to be informed if more help was needed for the burial that is yet to be scheduled.
She said she believes in the freedom of expression enabled by democracy.
But as she gave his speech, Kigano stood and nudged her to conclude but Wahome rebuffed him, informing the Kangema MP that she deserved more time given she more experienced politically.
She also revealed that MPs John Gakuya (Embakasi) and Rigathi Gachagua (Mathira) had also contributed Sh25,000 each for the family.
Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria who had earlier addressed journalists said his administration will partner with the national government to help organize the burial.
“We have agreed to channel all our support through their MP,” Wa Iria said, noting that his office had helped transfer one of the injured victims from Machakos General Hospital to Murang’a Level 5 Hospital
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