Political leaders walk out of Zainab Chidzugas’ burial

There was drama on Friday during the burial of former Kwale Woman Representative Zainab Chidzuga when politicians walked out after organisers declined to allow them to speak.

Among those who walked out in protest was Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya.

Former Transport minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere, who was the family spokesperson at the funeral ceremony, insisted that no politician would be allowed to address mourners.

Drama ensued when Ms Chidzuga’s daughter, Mariam Chidzuga, asked Mr Mwakwere to allow Agriculture PS Hamadi Boga to speak. But Mr Mwakwere insisted that there was a prior agreement with all politicians that none of them was to speak.

"If you are here to speak politics you can leave. If you are mourning with the family, you can stay," he said.

On hearing this, political leaders including Lands CAS Gideon Mung’aro, Prof Omar Boga, Kwale Senator Issa Boy, Lungalunga MP Khatib Mwashetani, Kinango MP Benjamin Tayari and former Chief of Defence Forces Samson Mwathethe left.

Mourners protest

Some mourners, who also protested the decision not to allow politicians to speak, also left.

Ms Chidzuga was buried on Friday afternoon at her home in Golini, Matuga Sub-County.

She died on Thursday morning at Reliance Hospital in Nairobi after developing Covid-19 related complications.

According to her daughter, Mwanaisha Chidzuga, the former woman rep had earlier contracted Covid-19 and recovered but later developed complications that she saw her admitted to hospital where she died.

In his condolence message read on his behalf by Tourism Principal Secretary Safina Kwekwe, President Uhuru Kenyatta eulogised Ms Chidzuga as a hardworking leader who always fought for the rights of girls and women.

At the time of her death, she was the director of the Special Economic Zones board.

While addressing mourners, Mr Mung’aro said that prior to her death, Ms Chidzuga had planned to vie for the Matuga parliamentary seat.