KamauWanjiru finally laid to rest

BY HOME NEWS TEAM

Olympic marathon Champion Samuel Kamau Wanjiru was on Saturday June 11, laid to rest at his farm Suera Flowers farm in Gatimu, OlJoroOrok division of Nyandarua County.

  A guard of honour was mounted by the regular police who also fired a 21 gun salute  inhonour of the fallen hero. Beside his athletics career, Wanjiru was also serving as a police corporal.

  His wife TrizahNjeri brother Simon Njoroge and grandfather Samuel KamauNjoroge were among relatives and friends who sat pensively as the burial ceremony presided by PCEA’s Rev. James Muhia went on at Nyahururu Stadium.

  Hannah Wanjiru the late champion’s mother however boycotted the funeral following an outburst on Friday June 10 where she vowed that her son will not be buried until those responsible for his death are known .

  Also missing were two women Mary Wacera and Judy Wambui both who claim to be the wives of the fallen hero.

  The occasion was also graced by the presence of Industrialisation assistant Minister and NdirituMuriithi,Ol-Kalou MP Erastus Mureithi, Athletics Kenya chairman David Okeyo and Olympics Committee chairman KipchogeKeino.

  Others who attended the occasion included Rift Valley Provincial Commissioner Osman Warfa, Henry Ondiki who also represented the CID director NdegwaMuhoro and Police commissioner Mathew Iteere, former internal security minister G GKariuki and former Mungiki leader MainaNjenga.

  Anti-riot police frisked each and every mourner attending the burial and also mounted road blocks on roads leading to Nyahururu perhaps in anticipation of trouble following weeks of contracted court battle between Wanjiru’s mother and his wife Trizah.

  President MwaiKibaki in his condolence message read by Laikipia West MP NdirituMuriithi described Kenyan’s pioneer marathon gold medalist at the Olympics as a global sports icon, a proud son of the nation.

  Government officials and former athletes who paid glowing tribute to the fallen hero did not cross the border of the controversy and mystery surrounding his death and funeral with Kipchoge challenging the Government to provide support systems to its young stars.

  Following the burial service residents braved the rain and lined up to view the convey for Wanjiru’s body that was moved to his final resting place where curtains finally came down.