What was expected to be a respectful and peaceful burial ceremony for Jonah Rotich, the longtime bodyguard and aide to Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, turned into a dramatic and emotional event when family disputes erupted during the service.
The funeral took place on Tuesday, June 4, in Eldoret, where Rotich was finally laid to rest. He had served Namwamba faithfully for 18 years, forming a close and trusted relationship with the Cabinet Secretary.
The burial drew a large crowd, including dignitaries, close friends, and family members. Ababu Namwamba himself was present, accompanied by his partner, Amy Lucia.
Together, they came to honour the man who had stood by Namwamba for nearly two decades, offering not just protection but unwavering loyalty and support.
However, the somber mood at the funeral was disrupted when Rotich’s brother was invited to speak.
What began as a tribute quickly turned into a heated moment when the brother made serious accusations against Rotich’s widow. In a highly emotional speech, he claimed that Jonah had suffered silently at home despite being happy and content with his job.
“Jonah was under a lot of pressure. He once confided in me that although he enjoyed his work and had no issues with his boss Ababu, things at home were different. He told me his house felt like a slaughterhouse,” the brother said.
His shocking words sparked murmurs and whispers among the mourners, creating a wave of discomfort during the otherwise peaceful ceremony.
Before he could finish, Jonah’s widow, clearly enraged by the accusations, stood up and walked to the podium. She confronted the brother face-to-face in front of the crowd.
The situation escalated quickly, with the widow pointing at him angrily and challenging his claims. The confrontation turned physical, forcing mourners to step in and separate the two before things got further out of control.
For a brief moment, the burial service had to pause as the choir sang hymns to calm everyone down and restore order. After the situation was managed and emotions settled, the ceremony continued as planned.
During his tribute, Ababu Namwamba expressed deep sorrow and shared heartfelt memories of Rotich.
He described him not just as a bodyguard, but as a dear friend who had become like family over the years.
Namwamba praised Rotich’s character, loyalty, and the important role he played in his life and that of his family.
“The bond I had with this great man teaches an important lesson to those who try to divide this country along tribal and ethnic lines. Our relationship shows that true unity goes beyond tribe or background,” Namwamba said.
He also revealed that Rotich passed away after struggling with several health complications. Namwamba noted that despite the pain, Rotich remained strong and courageous until the end.
His dedication, humility, and service, Namwamba said, had left a lasting impression on his family and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
The ceremony, although interrupted by drama, eventually ended on a more reflective and peaceful note, as mourners bid farewell to a man remembered for his loyalty, quiet strength, and long service.
Join Gen Z New WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
