Wanjiru’s funeral budget could hit Sh2.5 million

Samuel Kamau Wanjiru with his wife Teresia Njeri during the happy times. Following his death, his mother denounced Njeri as his wife. PHOTO/ FILE

Fallen Olympic marathon champion Samuel Kamau Wanjiru’s funeral could cost up to Sh2.5 million.

Arrangements were, however, halted after the athlete’s mother Hannah Wanjiru obtained a court order stopping the burial until further investigations into the death were carried out.

The chairman of the Nyahururu burial committee, Mr Ndegwa Wahome who is also Wanjiru’s family lawyer, said the tentative budget was reached after consultation with committees in other towns.

Speaking at the Olympia Hotel in Nyahururu on Thursday night where he announced the suspension of further meetings, Mr Wahome said the budget could go up as there were plans to hold two memorial services, one at Nyayo Stadium followed by another at Nyahururu Stadium.

Saying the court action was “adding sorrow to an already painful tragedy”, Mr Wahome urged friends of the 2008 Beijing Olympics champion to continue raising funds “as at the end, Wanjiru will be buried anyway”.

Mr Wahome and Nyandarua police boss Jaspher Ombati called for patience, saying the court order had to be complied with.

Mr Ombati also cautioned people against spreading rumours they could not prove.

“Speculation, accusations and counter-accusations will not help,” he said, adding that the Kenya Police was taking a special interest in Wanjiru’s death as he was one of them.

Wanjiru was a corporal in the police force.

Relatives who attended the meeting that lasted for only 15 minutes said they only learnt of the court order moments after 5pm on Thursday despite being with Wanjiru’s mother the whole day.

Meanwhile, a burial place has been identified on the runner’s land some 7km from Nyahururu town on the Nyahururu-Gilgil road.

Wanjiru died after falling from his balcony on Monday night during a domestic dispute after his wife found him with a bar waitress in the matrimonial house.