Malava MP Malulu Injendi
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The family of the late Member of Parliament for Malava, Moses Injendi Malulu, has declared his burial service, scheduled for Tuesday, March 4, as a non-political event, limiting speaking roles to President William Ruto, representatives of the church, and family members.
The decision follows a trend of politically charged funerals in Kenya, prompting the family to emphasize a solemn and respectful occasion.
Melvin Malulu, the late MP's son, made the announcement during a requiem mass in Kakamega. He clarified that while politicians will be afforded an opportunity to offer condolences on Monday, March 3, the burial service itself would be reserved for the designated speakers.
Transportation of the body from Nairobi to Malava will be provided by President Ruto. Farouk Kibet, an aide to President Ruto, echoes the family's wishes, urging political figures to respect the non-political nature of the event. "We want a peaceful funeral for Moses Injendi Malulu," Kibet states, cautioning against using the occasion for political campaigning.
The family's decision comes in the wake of several recent funerals that have become platforms for political discourse. Last month, a public disagreement erupted at the funeral of Speaker Moses Wetangula's mother between Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wah, focusing on allegations of recent abductions. Natembeya called for presidential action, while Ichung'wah defended the Ruto administration and implicated former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Similarly, the burial of Senate Speaker Amason Kingi’s father on February 21 saw numerous leaders, including President Ruto, engage in political rhetoric. Ruto defended his policy of removing extra ID vetting for Kenyans in border counties, citing national unity, while other leaders, including Kingi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, criticized Nyeri Catholic Archbishop Anthony Muheria for his critiques of the government.