Thousands of mourners from all walks of life thronged Kaharo village, Gikondi division, Mukurwe-ini Sub County Monday to bid farewell to renowned Nyeri philanthropist Erasmus Iguku Kinyua whose murder was allegedly instigated by his wife a week ago.
A procession of vehicles heading for the funeral service for the 61-year-old at Kaharo Catholic Church faithful stretched for about one kilometer.
The funeral service was led by a group of Catholic priests from Nyeri Archdiocese where he worshiped.
The most notable family member absent during the sendoff was the late Iguku’s wife of 31 years Doris Wambui as she is currently in police custody alongside her prison warder lover and some accomplices for allegedly masterminding the heinous act.
Nyeri Central sub-county police commander, Paul Kuria, stated that the duo was nabbed last Wednesday, as they attempted to flee to Machakos County after they reportedly paid criminals Sh400, 000 to execute Iguku.
The deceased was a well-known businessman in Nyeri town where he owned several electrical shops. Prior to venturing into business he had been an employee of Kenya Power Company from 1985 to 2018 when he took early retirement.
Speaker after speaker eulogized Iguku as an icon who cherished putting a smile on the less fortunate and a devout Christian.
“He was so humble and cherished doing charity work. At the height of Covid-19 he used to buy food for the needy Majengo slums dwellers. And for being wealthy and so humble many mothers used to approach him for assistance that he willingly offered,” said Nyeri Town Chief Christopher Kariuki who knew him well.
Chief Kariuki added that Iguku also contributed money for various community and church projects, adding that he used to do electrical wiring for catholic churches in Nyeri town and environs free of charge.
“Only recently that I sought his help for a needy student who risked dropping out of school for lack of fees and as he usually did, he rendered a helping hand,’’ added the chief.
Meanwhile, Kariuki advised couples to seek counselling and arbitration services whenever they encounter challenges in their marriages instead of rushing to hurt one another.
“But in case you fill no longer safe with your partner, leave immediately, before you get killed or maimed,” he said.
The chief further advised men to form groups and be meeting regularly so they can share ideas and challenges they were facing as a way of venting out.
“Unlike women who open up to other women, many men subjected to Gender Based Violence are dying of stress. It is the high time men formed men only groups to discuss issues affecting them and the boy child in general,” he advised.
By Kamiri Munyaka
