Moses Kuria, a senior advisor in President William Ruto’s Council of Economic Advisors, was forcibly removed from the stage during a burial ceremony in Muranga on Saturday, highlighting the mounting political tensions in the Mt. Kenya region. The event, which was meant to honor the late Muranga MCA Mark Wainaina, quickly became a flashpoint for political unrest as Kuria’s attempt to address the mourners with political rhetoric was met with widespread disapproval.
The incident unfolded when Kuria, who had initially stepped up to express his condolences to the bereaved family, diverted from the solemnity of the occasion by veering into political matters. As Kuria began speaking, his words were quickly drowned out by the sound of hymns sung by the priest and the congregation, who had grown increasingly irritated by the political direction of his speech. Despite his attempts to continue, the crowd stood in unison, sending a clear message of disdain. As the turmoil escalated, the clergy and mourners united in their efforts to silence Kuria, with the priest continuing the hymns and urging him to leave the stage.
The awkward spectacle was a sharp reminder of the political undercurrents shaping the region, as many in the crowd were seemingly disillusioned with the government’s handling of local issues. Kuria, known for his close ties to President Ruto, was not the only leader to face the brunt of the crowd’s ire. A representative from the office of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Kithure Kindiki, was also subjected to a similarly hostile reception. When he attempted to read Kindiki’s tribute, the crowd again rejected him, forcing the priest to intervene. “It is always good to be humble before the lord, kindly hand over the tribute to the family,” the priest urged, effectively removing the representative from the stage.
These incidents are reflective of the deepening political divide in Mt. Kenya, a region that has historically been a stronghold for President Ruto and his allies. However, the dynamics within the region have shifted dramatically following the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his subsequent replacement by Kindiki. The political turmoil surrounding these events has created a fracture within the region, with leaders linked to Gachagua’s ouster receiving increasingly hostile receptions.
The tension reached a new high earlier this month when President Ruto himself was booed by a crowd in Embu during the consecration and installation of Bishop Peter Kimani in the Embu Diocese. This disruption was widely seen as a symbolic rejection of the president’s leadership in the region, underscoring the extent of the political discontent among the local population. As a result, many leaders, including Ruto’s close allies, have been noticeably absent from political rallies in Mt. Kenya, avoiding potential confrontation with the hostile crowds.
The reasons behind this growing discontent are complex. The impeachment of Gachagua has sparked an ongoing political battle in the region, and his supporters remain disgruntled by his removal. The appointment of Kindiki to replace Gachagua has only added fuel to the fire, with many seeing it as a sign of shifting loyalties within the political elite. These events have led to a sense of uncertainty and instability in Mt. Kenya politics, as traditional power dynamics are being upended.
As the political temperature continues to rise, the hostile receptions at public events such as the Muranga burial serve as a reminder of the deep divisions that exist in the region. Leaders aligned with President Ruto and Deputy President Gachagua are increasingly facing the wrath of the public, reflecting the growing frustration over the political developments that are reshaping Mt. Kenya’s political landscape. With tensions still simmering, it remains to be seen how the political future of the region will unfold, and whether peace can be restored amidst the shifting allegiances.
