High-profile mourners, a chopper and luxury convoys mark Agnes Kagure mother’s burial in Nyeri
By James Gatama
The burial of Mary Wangui Mwangi, the mother of Kenya Patriots Party leader and Nairobi businesswoman Dr Agnes Kagure, drew an impressive gathering of political leaders, business executives and clergy, transforming the quiet village of Gitathiini in Nyeri County into a centre of national attention.
Thousands of mourners attended the ceremony, with the guest list reading like a who’s who in Kenya’s political and business circles.
Convoys of high-end four-wheel-drive fuel guzzlers snaked their way into the village as dignitaries arrived to pay their last respects to the 86-year-old matriarch.
The funeral service was held under an elegant tent with a seating capacity of about 5,000 people. The expansive structure was tastefully arranged, complete with neatly laid red and green carpets reserved for VIP guests.
At the altar, the front section of the tent roof was adorned in blue and white decorations, reflecting the official colours of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Women’s Guild Fellowship, in honour of the late Mama Wangui’s church affiliation and service.
Away from the solemn proceedings, curious villagers remained fascinated by the sight of helicopter landing in the area, a rare occurrence in Gitathiini and its psurroundings.
Residents recalled that the last time a helicopter had attracted similar excitement was several years ago at Tetu Boys Primary School in Kamakwa/Mukaro Ward. On that occasion, the aircraft had ferried Equity Bank Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Dr James Mwangi, who had travelled to attend the burial of the mother of the now-retired Director of Legal Affairs, Mary Wangari Wamai, popularly known as “Village Girl.”
Villagers also reminisced about the period when helicopters frequently landed in the locality while ferrying former Taita Taveta Governor Granton Samboja during visits to his in-laws in Kamuyu, Kamakwa.
During the latest ceremony, Siaya Deputy Governor Dr William Oduol landed by helicopter at nearby Gitathiini High School before proceeding to the funeral service.
Gitathiini High School and neighbouring Gitathi-ini Primary School stand on land that older residents say once formed part of the former emergency village established during the colonial era.
Among the prominent mourners were KANU Secretary-General George Wainaina, veteran politician and former Cabinet Minister Maina Kamanda, and former Gatanga Member of Parliament David Murathe.
Murathe, a close associate of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, served as the best man during Uhuru’s wedding to Margaret Kenyatta at Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi on Saturday, December 2, 1989.
The funeral also attracted businessmen from Uganda, underscoring the family’s extensive network beyond Kenya’s borders.
Religious leaders were led by the Moderator of the Nyeri Presbytery and accompanied by a large contingent of ordained church elders who conducted the service and offered spiritual support to the bereaved family.
Several leaders and businesspeople attended the ceremony. Also present were dozens of former, current and aspiring leaders.
They included; Dr Thuo Mathenge, John Munyiri Mwangi, George Mwangi Box, Nick Mararo and Waruru Gikandi.
Also present was Wiper Democratic Movement Deputy Vice-Chairperson Anne Nyambura Kanyi, widow of the late former National Security Minister Nahashon Kanyi Waithaka.
The large turnout of influential personalities reflected the stature of both the late Mary Wangui Mwangi and her daughter, Dr Agnes Kagure, whose philanthropic and business interests have earned her prominence on the national stage.
As family, friends and dignitaries celebrated the life of the late matriarch, Gitathiini Village witnessed a burial ceremony that blended tradition, faith and high-profile attendance, leaving residents with memories of a historic send-off rarely seen in the area.
As the family retreated to inter the remains, thousands were treated to a sumptuous lunch at the venue.
Some of the moments as captured in pictures
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