Several politicians among them Nyamira Governor John Nyagarama on Tuesday were caught by surprise after they were barred from addressing mourners at a funeral in West Mugirango constituency.
Instead, Nyagarama and other politicians were only allowed to either greet mourners, quote a biblical verse or sing a hymn during the burial of the late Mrs Joyce, wife of Seventh Day Adventist Pastor Richard Nyakego.
Mr Nyagarama sung a chorus from a hymn before returning to his seat.
Other leader who attempted to go against the grain were forced to cut short their speeches by mourners who had braved the scorching sun to attend the funeral service held at Tente PAG Church ground.
Area MP James Gesami left immediately after giving his donation when he realised he would not address the mourners.
The masters of ceremony Pastors George Ondieki (the Nyamira SDA Conference director) and Enock Ooga were categorical and stood their ground.
“We are not allowing politics. You quote a verse, sing or greet mourners as we want to conduct this funeral quickly since mourners are seated in the hot sun and we don’t want to disappoint our seniors,” Pastor Ondieki said.
The burial was attended by the church’s top hierarchy from SDA East African Union and Eastern, Coastal and Central SDA Unions.
Other politicians present included Charles Mochama, former Kitutu Masaba MPs Walter Nyambati and Mwancha Okioma.