The burial of deceased billionaire businessman and Cooperative Bank founder Henry Kinyua was on Monday temporarily disrupted after President Uhuru Kenyatta sent out a cancellation message at the last minute.
Kenyatta had been expected to attend the burial ceremony held at Kinoru Methodist Church, near the deceased’s family home in Kaaga village, Meru County.
However, at around 11 am, Kenyatta made a last minute cancellation, causing a momentary disruption of the service.
The red carpet rolled out in anticipation of the President’s visit was rolled over while the security teams which had been dispatched in strategic positions at the grounds were recalled.
The Presidential motorcade that had parked at Kaaga Primary School waiting for the President to land was also hurriedly withdrawn.
Area residents did not understand the unexpected turn of events as the numerous presidential cars sped along the rather dull village roads.
The Presidential press team was also caught unawares of the belated cancellation and started packing as the burial ceremony proceeded.
Area Governor Peter Munya, who had led a local delegation to receive Kenyatta at the local primary school, was also surprised at the cancellation and equally decided to skip the burial.
Kinyua, one of the pioneer Kenyan businessmen, passed away on January 8th at the age of 81 years.
