State House press secretary Emmanuel Talam on Wednesday asked politicians against commenting on the controversy surrounding fertiliser during the burial of the late NTV Journalist Rita Tinina.
Talam who had stood up to read President William Ruto's tribute said leaders present should respect Tinina's daughter, Mia Malaikah.
"Because of my respect and love for Rita Tinina, I will not speak on fertiliser, because I have lost a father myself, probably all of us here have lost someone. Let me tell you, good people, at a moment like this nothing else is important," he said.
"I’m not saying this to cover the government or the President, but I’m speaking for myself. Tuwe na heshima kidogo. Huyu Malkia hajui mbolea, hajui punda, hajui Ruto, hajui Wambua, hajui Ledama, she only wants to be comforted," he added.
(Let us have some respect. Malkia (Tinina's daughter) doesn't know fertiliser, or a donkey or Ruto or senators, she only wants to be comforted)
Talam spoke after a couple of politicians who spoke before him to pay tribute to Tinina made remarks touching on fertiliser, remarks that appeared to bother mourners.
During their speeches, mourners could be heard whispering in low tones, an likely indication of their disapproval of the change of topic.
However, Talam managed to bring mourners to laughter after he narrated how he secretly thought the late Tinina was going to be his wife.
"I wish Eric Latif was here because I have to make some confessions before we bury Rita, and my good friend and brother Robert, take no offence," he said.
"When Rita came to KIMC, we joined at the same time, same day, same class. I thought she was going to be my wife," he said.
In his tribute to Tinina read by Talam, President William Ruto eulogised the NTV reporter as an excellent journalist and storyteller.
The Head of State described Tinina as a passionate media professional who did her work with commitment.
"Rarely do we get to excellence in any profession, but Rita did. She was fantastic. To her, journalism wasn't just a job or career, she always did her homework," Ruto said.
The President further said he will remember Tinina as an excellent storyteller who told the stories that mattered.
Tinina is set to be buried on Wednesday, March 27, in Olokirikirai, Narok County.