Questions after man breaches security, almost disrupts Kibaki State funeral

A man was arrested on Friday during former President Mwai Kibaki's state funeral after he rushed to the podium and attempted to disrupt the event moments after President Uhuru Kenyatta delivered his tribute.

The man, who is yet to be identified, interrupted Archbishop Anthony Muheria who had taken over after President Kenyatta, saying he wanted two minutes.

“Allow me just two minutes to make some remarks,” the man could be heard pleading with Archbishop Muheria.

The bishop, however, did not miss a step and expertly handled the unforeseen situation and de-escalated the situation by embracing the man into his arms and moving him away from the microphone as the security agents showed up, a bit too late, to take him away.

Understanding what was awaiting the young man at the hands of the security personnel, Bishop Muheria pleaded with them not to hurt him.

“He is the son of our nation who is emotional at the loss of our president, treat him well,” Archbishop Muheria said as he continued with the program.

The whole incident lasted for a few seconds but was it not for Muheria’s cool-headedness, Kibaki’s state funeral could have been remembered quite differently.

Many were left wondering how such a breach could have happened at a state funeral that was attended by African heads of state including Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta, Salva Kirr (South Sudan), Sahle-Work Zewde (Ethiopia) and Cyril Ramaphosa from South Africa.

It also raises questions about how the same man who disrupted proceedings on Tuesday outside Parliament during the viewing of Kibaki's body, managed to end up that close to the family of the former president and other dignitaries.