The funeral of gospel singer Betty Bayo drew a massive crowd of friends, fans and public figures, but the solemn event quickly turned emotional and tense after a video showing a confrontation involving security influencer Wanja Nyarari went viral.
The clip raised questions about how mourners were being handled, prompting Wanja to come forward and give her side of the story.
Wanja, who had been tasked with helping to coordinate security and seating protocols, explained that the situation spiraled after many mourners occupied chairs that had been set aside for Bayo’s immediate family.
According to her, the brothers of the late singer and other close relatives found themselves stranded without anywhere to sit, despite being the people most affected by the loss.
She said family members approached her seeking help, which pushed her to act firmly to restore order.
In the video that circulated online, Wanja is seen instructing people seated in the reserved section to leave the area. Her tone and approach drew criticism from some mourners and a number of gospel personalities.
One of the people she singled out was musician Ben Githae, whom she accused of fueling negativity toward her without understanding the situation.
Wanja later stated that he was quick to comment and challenge her actions before knowing why the seats were being cleared.
She defended her stance by saying her priority was the dignity of the family.
She argued that watching siblings of the deceased remain standing while others occupied their places was deeply troubling and, in her view, disrespectful.
Wanja claimed that some of the ushers and security workers were insulted as they tried to organize the space and ensure the relatives were comfortable.
Despite the backlash, she praised her team for staying calm and focused on their work.
The incident sparked discussions online about behaviour at funerals and the importance of respecting protocols meant to support grieving families.
Many users applauded Wanja for taking charge and protecting the family’s space, while others felt she could have approached the matter more gently.
Another debate emerged after blogger Cukura ya Nairobi alleged that Wanja nearly slapped him while blocking him from accessing the burial site.
The burial area had limited access, and only a small group had been allowed in, leaving most mourners at the stadium to follow proceedings on screen.
Cukura said the confrontation embarrassed him, though he was eventually allowed through.
Despite the criticism, Wanja maintained that her actions were guided by respect for the family and the need for order during a painful moment.
The incident has continued to trend, underscoring how emotions can run high when large crowds gather to honour a loved one.
By Newsmedia