Public Service CS Justin Muturi was unable to read President William Ruto's message of condolences during the burial of former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti’s son, Eric Kivuti.
The President was unable to attend the Friday service as he was at the burial of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula’s mother in Bungoma.
However, he had written a message to be read to the mourners.
When Muturi stood to read the message, the crowd began booing, making it difficult for him to continue.
"I have been given a message of condolence, from his excellency the President... (booing) Sasa pale nimefika mwisho ni kwamba nimepewa ujumbe. Niwapatie. Nisome ama nisisome?" he asked.
The crowd responded by chanting "Usisome (don’t read)".
He engaged the present Bishop and said, "I have been advised wisely and you know as the former speaker...na mnajua the late JJ Kamotho, he used to say kura ya makelele, nimeskia kura ya makelele....
I have the honour to deliver this message to Hon lenny Kivuti in public.
Muturi acknowledged their response, explaining that he had been advised to read the message publicly.
Eric Mutugi Kivuti passed away last week at MP Shah Hospital after a short illness.
This is not the first time mourners have reacted to President Ruto’s speeches with heckling.
In November 2024, during the burial of late nominated MCA Mark Gicheru Wainaina, a similar incident occurred.
During that occasion, President Ruto had sent Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata and Kirinyaga Senator James Murango to read his condolence message.
However, mourners started booing immediately Murango started delivering condolences from Deputy President Kithure Kindiki to the family, friends and the church congregation in attendance.
“Allow me to read so that we can give Mark respect..,” he pleaded with the mourners but they persited with the booing whilst motioning him to resume his seat.
Having read the mood and realised the mourners would not allow Murango to continue delivering the DP's message, the presiding priest intervened and asked him to hand over the condolence message to the family of the late Wainaina.
Governor Kang’ata who was holding President William Ruto's condolence message said that he would also hand it to the family instead of reading it.
“Let me also request that I hand the speech of the President to the family,” the Governor said, and proceeded to hand over the paper to the family.