The annual memorial celebrations for the late Vice President Michael Kijana Wamalwa, who died on August 23, 2003, will not happen this year.
This is according to an announcement made by the family on Thursday, on Daily Nation’s obituary section, stating that it had postponed the anniversary celebrations.
“The family wishes to inform Kenyans that due to ongoing renovations to his mausoleum at his Milimani residence in Kitale, the annual anniversary will not be held this year,” the statement read.
The family further stated that it would mark the day privately and asked Kenyans to bear with the circumstances.
“Do bear with the family as we observe the day in private. We thank you for all the love and support you have given us over the years,” read the statement.
The timing of the postponement, however, comes at a time when the family members have been embroiled in quarrels about the late VP's property that have played out in public, pitting his six children, four of them from different mothers.
On the other hand, President Uhuru Kenyatta during the 41st memorial service of his late father, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, on Thursday, declared that it would be the last time that they'd honour the founding father in a public event.
Speaking at Holy Family Basilica, the President declared that after consultations with his family, they had decided that they would not be celebrating Mzee Jomo publicly moving forward.
"As President, I have consulted the family of the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, and after consulting them, we have agreed together that this is going to be the last celebration of Mzee in this manner," he remarked.
This marked the end of a tradition that has spanned for over 4 decades, ever since Uhuru first eulogised his late dad back in August 1978.
