Aburi, nominated MCA clash in burial over orphans custody

East African Legislation Assembly MP Mpuru Aburi. (Standard)

Drama ensued at a burial in Igembe Central Sub County after an MP and a MCA clashed over who between them should raise the deceased’s children.

East African Legislation Assembly MP Mpuru Aburi and nominated MCA Ruth Kananu differed during the burial at Ithalii village on Friday with each demanding to take two orphans of Mercy Kendi whose treatment they had supported.

Kendi succumbed on May 7 leaving behind two children Riziki and Ebenezer.

Mourners were left in awe as the two politicians demanded to be the custodian of the two orphans.

 The two politicians teamed up to help Kendi after she had accumulated huge hospital bills.

The duo bought a machine to help the deceased in breathing which she had been using until her demise. They had also paid her bills at Maua Methodist Hospital and Agha Khan Hospital. 

“You do not buy a casket for someone when she dies while when she was alive you never bothered about her. I took a responsibility to help in her treatment, today l also have the capacity to take, raise and educate her children,” Aburi said.

“Let us not bring politics in the custody of the children. I am ready to adopt them and l plead to the family and the local administration to furnish me with their report on Monday so that l take them with me,” he added.

However, on his part Kananu said despite being a political leader, she was a resident of the locality and understands the sufferings of the family than Aburi. 

“To me Mercy was like a sister, l have known her for long and l have been with her all the time she has been in hospital and l stand a better chance to take care of her children,” Kananu said.

Despite an intervention from Bishop Julius Gitari to calm down the two politicians, more drama ensued when Aburi donated Sh100,000 to the family.

Supporters of the two leaders engaged in a shouting match and almost clashed at the burial.

Kananu donated Sh20, 000 to the family.