Cost of Living Controversy at Funeral: CS Malonza’s Praise for President Ruto Sparks Outcry
Summary:
Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza faced a challenging situation during the burial of journalist Musungu Kyumbe in Chuluni, Kitui East. Her attempt to commend President Ruto’s efforts on the high cost of living stirred discontent among the mourners. The story unfolds as Malonza strives to navigate the tense atmosphere, with additional commentary from other leaders present at the funeral.
In the solemn setting of Musungu Kyumbe’s burial in Chuluni, Kitui East, Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza found herself in a difficult position as she addressed mourners amidst growing discontent. Seeking to laud President Ruto’s actions in addressing the escalating cost of living, Malonza’s words triggered a robust reaction from the gathered crowd.
“The cost of living is very high, even the President understands that. That is why you see him going abroad to borrow money because we found empty coffers. But he is making sure that the cost of living will go down,” expressed CS Malonza, a sentiment met with skepticism and vocal opposition from the community.
Leaders Present Express Discontent:
Former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu joined the chorus of dissatisfaction, expressing disappointment over the high cost of living that had compelled some Kenyans to walk barefoot.
Urging Malonza to convey the people’s suffering to President Ruto, Ngilu emphasized, “when you sit in that Cabinet, you are a woman.”
Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu echoed the sentiments, remarking that Kenya does not reflect a nation that has experienced self-governance for the past sixty years. The leaders present, united in their concern, pledged to advocate for the government to distribute free cream for Kenyans with albinism, aiming to prevent skin cancer among this vulnerable population.
As the discontent among the mourners persisted, CS Malonza attempted to hasten her speech, pleading, “My friends, kindly allow me to finish what I want to say. Let me finish so that you do not snatch this microphone from me.” However, the dissatisfaction only grew, revealing the depth of the community’s grievances.
The funeral event became a microcosm of the broader discontent regarding the cost of living, with Malonza’s attempt to praise President Ruto met with resistance from both the community and other leaders present. The incident underscored the palpable disconnect between official narratives and the lived experiences of ordinary Kenyans.
