Church and traditional elders clashed during the burial of the Ruaka couple, Peter Njuthi Karomo and Faith Wambui Njuthi, who perished after a building collapsed on their homestead in Ruaka.
In the burial service, conducted on Tuesday, November 29, the Anglican church collided with the Gikuyu elders, Kiama Kiama, in a battle to lead the service.
Patrick Mugo, the family representative and a leader of the Kiama Kiama, opposed the church's being granted the right to bury the couple whose death attracted nationwide criticism of landlords who flout building and construction laws.
He also explained that the couple belonged to different religions hence they deserved to be given a final send-off according to their specific beliefs.
“The woman was an Anglican believer but the man was part of us. He was part of the Kiama Kiama and both are religions,” Mugo expounded.
He also clarified that they were not against the church but were following traditional beliefs.
“We teach people about the traditions just like our late father Jomo Kenyatta urged us to. We have no problem with the church,” the elders stated.
The church leaders, however, took over the service till the end and hurriedly left after burying the couple.
Speaking during the service, Kiambaa Deputy County Commissioner Peter Maina pleaded with the members of the public to work with the government and report rogue contractors and landlords.
According to Kiambu governor, Kimani Wamatangi, the house contractor that caused the tragedy did not comply with construction regulations.
Wamatangi released the findings after investigations were conducted by a multi-agency team.
