Politics took centre stage during the memorial service to mark 'burial' of two missing victims of a chopper that crashed into Lake Nakuru on October 21 2017.
The two bloggers Sam Gitau (Sam G) and John Ndirangu (Mapozi) were attached to the office of Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika.
Gitau and Mapozi were among five occupants of the ill-fated helicopter that was reportedly headed to Narok where Uhuru was then scheduled to address a public rally.
The bodies of pilot Apollo Malowa and an aide to Kihika, Anthony Kipyegon, were recovered 72 hours after the tragedy.
The main chopper engine and fuselage were recovered 28 days after the crash, on the same day the body of the third victim, student Veronica Muthoni, was found trapped in it in the saline waters.
The memorial service held on Saturday on the shores of the lake led by Father Fernandos Andati of St Joseph the Worker church, relatives and friends of the two young men mourned them as industrious, dedicated, humble and outspoken.
The leaders termed the helicopter crash as unfortunate and one that robbed the nation of hardworking people who went out of their way to make sure jubilee campaigns achieved the target goals.
“This is a sudden loss and we just pray that God will give us strength and sobriety,” Kihika said.
Although parents from both sides did not speak during the service, in their tributes that were read by close relatives, they said that they will dearly miss their sons.
President Uhuru Kenyatta’s message of condolence was delivered by Statehouse digital team head Dennis Itumbi who said that both the president and his deputy William Ruto have promised to set time to meet the two families at a later date.
However politics did not miss out during the service with political leaders in attendance hitting out at NASA over claims that an election would be held in August.
“To our brothers in Nasa, this issue of talking too much does not help. I think election was over and the time is now for development,” Kihika said.
“We know election was over and the government is now committed to deliver. The nominees for the cabinet I am sure parliament will approve probably by Wednesday,” Nakuru Town East David Gikaria said.