At least 20,000 expected at Lucy Kibaki funeral in Nyeri

What you need to know:

  • The Nyeri security committee also said that two venues will be used on Saturday for the state funeral of Mama Lucy.
  • Tents will be set up for guests and a podium for dignitaries will also be mounted on the grounds.
  • Members of the public will also be allowed to stand around the grounds during the burial service.
  • The Saturday funeral service is expected to begin at 7am followed by a private burial at former President Mwai Kibaki’s Othaya home.

At least 20,000 people, including 1,000 dignitaries, are expected to attend the funeral of former first lady Lucy Kibaki in Othaya, Nyeri, on Saturday.

During a press briefing, the Nyeri security committee also said that two venues will be used on Saturday for the state funeral of Mama Lucy.

The Othaya Approved School grounds will be used for the funeral service while the Othaya Boys Secondary School grounds will be used as parking for dignitaries and landing grounds for helicopters.

The ceremony was initially expected to be held at the Othaya stadium but the venue was changed after the grounds flooded following heavy rains.

Tents will be set up for guests and a podium for dignitaries will also be mounted on the grounds.

Members of the public will also be allowed to stand around the grounds during the burial service.

Security in the town has also been beefed up ahead of the state function and security patrols have already begun in the surrounding areas.

Police officials, however, refused to reveal the number of officers deployed because of procedural and tactical reasons.

“We can assure [the public] that adequate security has been deployed and will remain tight before, during and after the funeral,” said County Police Commander Eunice Kihiko.

Roads are expected to remain open during the ceremony except for the one from Othaya Boys Secondary School that will be used by the presidential motorcade and dignitaries.

ARRIVE EARLY

However, those who wish to attend the funeral service have been advised to arrive early to avoid disruptions especially when the family and dignitaries arrive.

Three condolence books have been placed at different centres in Nyeri for the public.

One has been placed at the regional headquarters, near the Huduma Centre, while another has been put at the Deputy County Commissioner’s office in Othaya.

The third has been set up in Mukurwe-ini, where the former first lady hailed from.

Central Regional Coordinator Naftali Mungathia also announced that four buses will be provided to ferry Nyeri residents who wish to attend the requiem Mass for Mama Lucy that is scheduled for Wednesday at the Consolata Shrine in Westlands, Nairobi.

“Transport will be provided to and from the Mass and those who wish to join us should register at the regional headquarters,” said Mr Mungathia.

The Saturday funeral service is expected to begin at 7am followed by a private burial at former President Mwai Kibaki’s Othaya home later in the afternoon.

Members of the public will not be allowed anywhere near the home.