This archive report was first published on 17 August 2019.
On a somber note, Deputy President William Ruto attended the funeral of Chris Adema, son of Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali, in Lirhembe, Ikolomani, Kakamega County on Friday, August 16, 2019.
During the funeral, Ruto made remarks that have sparked debate, saying, “Watoto hawa wote ni wetu, bora mungu amekupatia mtoto unachunga mtoto, ni Baraka ya mungu unaendelea mbele tu. Na hakuna mtu ako na uhakika baba ya huyu ni gani bora mama amesema baba ni huyu basi ni huyu na tunaendelea mbele,” amid laughter from the crowd.
The remarks come amidst allegations that the Ikolomani MP had sidelined the late son’s mother, Petrolina Munyaza, from the burial arrangements.
Munyaza, 52, said she only learnt of her son’s death from the clan members rather than from the Ikolomani MP, as she had expected.
Adema, 35, a US marine, reportedly met his death after drowning in a swimming pool in Arizona State while attempting to save the life of a minor.
