Drama unfolded in Nyeri County yesterday when an elderly woman caused a commotion at Rigathi Gachagua’s brother funeral ceremony at Hiriga village.
The Nyeri woman is said to have cut across President Ruto’s security team and made advances to the dais while President Ruto had just begun to make his speech in honor of Jackson Reriani, the DPs elder brother.
In an interview with the media after being whisked away from the sight of the president, the woman identified as Ms. Lucy Wangui said she had interrupted Ruto’s speech so that he would help finance her son’s Sh. 400,000 flight to the US, where he had a ‘well-paying’ job waiting for him. She felt obliged to openly ask for help after she had voted for him.
“When I heard the president was to attend the burial of the brother to the Deputy President, I grabbed the opportunity. I voted for the president and that’s why I am asking for help,” she said.
President Ruto had to put a temporary halt to his speech as the distressed woman was quickly taken away by his security personnel. Ruto’s new Aide-de-Camp Colonel from Kenya Army Fabian Lengusuranga was on red alert as the events unfolded.
The woman was escorted out of the tent by Nyeri Woman Representative Rahab Mukami, the president’s security and a few more women. Mama Rachel and Dorcas Rigathi followed later to listen to her as she plead her case.
“Leave that woman…we will sort her out. Mama Rachel will sort you out. It’s okay, you will be sorted out mama,” Ruto said as he calmed the curious mourners.
Ms. Lucy Wangui said that she had to do capture the president’s attention to convince him to assist her son secure a job in the US. Her son, John Gichuhi, is a matatu tout and his monthly finances are unable to take care of his 3 children.
“My son is unable to cater for his family. His cousin, who lives in the USA, had found a job for him that promised to pay Sh70,000 per month. He lacks Sh400,000 for air travel and that is why I sought the assistance of our President. I voted for President Ruto and he is the best person to assist me,” she said
“I work as a caregiver for elderly people and I have been struggling to cater for my family through my monthly salary of Sh10,000. I have been catering for the needs of my son and my grandchildren. I was roughed up by the security team but I am optimistic that my son will get help,” she added.