A solemn funeral service in Igembe took an unexpected turn as emotions ran high, culminating in chaos when Hon. Romano Mwito, the Meru County Governor Kawira Mwangaza’s designated representative, was denied the opportunity to speak. The incident nearly escalated into a battlefield, leaving attendees in shock.
MCA for Kangeta ward, Honourable Romano Mwito, had been entrusted with delivering the governor’s condolences at the funeral of the four individuals who tragically lost their lives in an accident. However, his microphone was abruptly switched off during his address, inciting an uproar from the residents.
The angered crowd, demanding that the governor’s representative be given a chance to speak, began wailing and chanting, creating a tense atmosphere. They rose from their seats and came closer to the MCA asking him not to sit down but demand for the public address system to be switched back on.
Despite the commotion, Hon. Romano Mwito, resilient in his duty, managed to bulldoze his way through the agitated audience and continued with the address on behalf of Governor Kawira Mwangaza.
The church presiding over the burial ceremony was forced to intervene the incident. The Clergy in charge was forced to take action and mediate between the master of ceremony and the MCA who was without doubt angered by the act his speech being interfered.
It should be noted that the political atmosphere in Meru remains tense with a rivalry pitting followers of the governor against followers of a section of the county assembly.