Former Limuru MP Kuria Kanyingi buried in low key ceremony

Hundreds mourners yesterday thronged the requiem mas service of former Limuru MP Kuria Kanyingi to pay their last respects at his Kabuku home in an event where political speeches were barred.

Unlike his flamboyant lifestyle that saw him traverse the country conducting high profile fund-raisers, contributing large amounts of money, his burial was largely a low key affair, with no flowers and pictures allowed both at the church and where he was laid to rest.

Only close family members were allowed at the grave side, with majority of the mourners having to contend with the requiem mass held at St Charles Lwanga Catholic Church, which was celebrated by Nairobi Arch-diocese Auxiliary Bishop David Kamau.

The chairman of the burial preparation committee Milton Njoroge told the mourners that it was the wish of the deceased that political speeches are not made during his burial.

Though many politicians attended the requiem mass, Mr Njoroge said he had even informed Deputy President William Ruto, who was in Kiambu at the weekend, of the former MP's wish against politicising his burial.

"I was accompanied by Governor Kabogo (William) when I told the Deputy President that he might come for the service, but would not be allowed to speak as per the wishes of Mr Kanyingi. I have been very keen on following the instructions of the deceased even as I organised this burial," said Njoroge.

TWO WIVES

Only Kabogo and Limuru MP John Kiragu were allowed to address the mourners, but only to eulogise the deceased and never to engage in politics.

Among those who attended the mass were Kabogo, Kiambu County Commissioner Esther Maina, former Cabinet Minister Joseph Munyao and former Gatundu North MP Kariuki Muiruri.

Limuru Assistant County Commissioner Clara Kahindi, who was also present, barred journalists from taking pictures within the church compound saying this was also part of the wishes of the deceased.

"It was the deceased final wishes that pictures are not taken and we must respect that," said Ms Kahindi.

There were no flowers, no pictures taken or any obituary published as per the wishes the former MP left with his family, only a cross and his picture next to the casket.

Kanyingi is survived by two wives Wangui Kanyingi and Susan Kanyingi and several children.