State takes charge as Nyeri prepares to receive Mama Lucy Kibaki

Former First Lady Lucy Kibaki waves in this undated photo: Picture/David Namu

The family of former President Mwai Kibaki is still in London making preparations to fly back the body of former First Lady Lucy Kibaki even as burial arrangements start.

It also emerged the former First Lady might be buried in Kibaki’s rural home in Othaya as per Kikuyu tradition even as the Government takes over the arrangements.

According to Kibaki’s spokesman Ngari Gituku, though burial arrangements had started it was still too early to give details. He said the process of forming burial committees was underway “with a clearer picture of what will follow expected shortly”. “Things have started moving but everything is being handled by the Government. By tomorrow (today) we are going to get a clearer picture of where we will go from here," said Gituku.

According to elders versed with tradition, a married woman is always buried in her husband's home "since she had become part of it." Kikuyu Council of Elders Chairman Wachira Kiago explained to The Standard that, "it goes without saying that once a woman officially leaves her home to be married she becomes part of the husband's family."

"A woman automatically assumes her husband's clan once she leaves her home and is married," Mr Kiago said yesterday.

He said he expects the former First Lady to be buried at Kibaki's rural home in Munyange, Nyeri. Kiago's sentiments were supported by a close ally of the former president, Esau Kioni.

"I'm expecting that the former First Lady will be buried in Nyeri as tradition dictates, but we will respect the wishes of the family," Mr Kioni said.

 At Kibaki's Munyange home, workers could be seen sprucing up the homestead, a signal that the residence would be receiving guests. The hedges were being trimmed and there was tight security to keep away prying eyes. In Nyeri, local leaders continued mourning the demise of Mama Lucy Kibaki. Among the leaders who conveyed their condolences were Governor Nderitu Gachagua and Senator Mutahi Kagwe.