Othaya residents warned against drunkenness as they bid final farewell to Lucy Kibaki

Workers repairing roads in Othaya Town, Nyeri County on May 4, 2016 ahead of the burial of former first lady Lucy Kibaki on Saturday. Residents of Othaya have been cautioned against drunkenness during the period of mourning and the funeral of the former first lady. PHOTO | JOSEPH KANYI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

By  Nicholas Komu

What you need to know:

  • Nyeri South OCPD Joseph Mwika says this is aimed at presenting a good image of the town to the more than 1,000 dignitaries expected to attend the funeral.
  • At least 20,000 guests, among them political leaders and prominent personalities, are expected to attend the funeral.
  • The call to the residents comes as preparations for the state burial of the late Mama Lucy intensify.
  • NYS personnel were sweeping dry leaves around the Kibaki compound as other workers scrubbed pillars at the gate.

Residents of Othaya in Nyeri County have been cautioned against drinking alcohol during the period of mourning and the funeral of former first lady Lucy Kibaki.

The residents have also been warned not to misbehave during the burial ceremony scheduled for Saturday.

Speaking to the Nation, Nyeri South Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) Joseph Mwika said that anybody found drunk and misbehaving around Othaya Town would face arrest.

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This, he said, is aimed at presenting a good image of the town to the over 1,000 dignitaries expected to attend the funeral this weekend.

“We want to portray a good picture and though most youth have quit alcoholism, there are a few who refuse to stop the bad habit,” said Mr Mwika.

At least 20,000 guests, among them political leaders and prominent personalities, are expected to attend the funeral.

FIGHTING ALCOHOLISM

In 2015, Othaya MP Mary Wambui oversaw the burning of a whole container of alcohol in the fight against alcoholism.

The region was one of the worst hit by excessive alcohol consumption.

The call to the residents comes as preparations for the state burial of the late Mama Lucy intensify, with the town becoming a beehive of clean-up activity.

On Wednesday, a multiagency team was mobilised by the county government to clean up the streets of the town.

Kenya Power company workers were spotted clearing bushes next to power lines along the road heading to former president Kibaki’s home.

Outside the home, National Youth Service (NYS) personnel were sweeping dry leaves around the compound as other workers scrubbed pillars at the gate.

Workers of a road construction company were engaged in clearing off mud from the Othaya-Kanyange road that leads to the Kibaki family home.

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