The Othaya MP stunned mourners on Friday when she said, in Mwai Kibaki’s presence, that the former president is part of her family.
Kibaki sat at the dais erected for family members as MP Mary Wambui spoke during her sister, 75-year-old Anne Wakarima’s funeral service at Gatugi PCEA church.
“We would like to welcome all those present, including the former president, who is one of our family members,” Wambui said after which the mourners cheered.
She said her sister “vigorously campaigned” for Kibaki whenever he sought elective posts.
Wambui was the first to welcome Kibaki when he arrived; they shook hands and were then escorted to the dais where they sat next to each other.
When the MP later welcomed the retired president to speak, they shook hands again in the mourners’ view before Kibaki started reading his speech.
But Kibaki steered clear of the matter and spoke of Wakarima, eulogising her as a hardworking and generous woman who devoted herself to the country.
It is not the first time Wambui has insinuated having close ties with Kibaki; the former president called an urgent press conference in 2009 to denounce her.
“The media have been reporting that I have another wife or wives. I have only one wife,” he told the rare news conference late in March that year.
“I have gotten in this foul mood after listening to some statements made yesterday, the other day or even recently. I want to say anyone who is bent on that course will see me in court.”
Kibaki spoke much in Kikuyu in the address on Friday during which he urged members of the public to pray for each other and for leaders.
He advised the state to listen to the Opposition saying sometimes there is need to.
“A person may be saying nothing of importance but what they say may be worthwhile in the end,” he further said.
Others present were MPs Esther Murugi, (Nyeri town), Francis Waititu (Juja) and Nyeri Senator Mutahi Kagwe.
Kagwe asked Nyeri MCAs to stop infighting and solve disputes amicably, saying: “The wrangles in our county assembly are not healthy. Let us work together for the sake of development.”
Waititu said leaders should seek Kibaki’s advice on challenges facing the country.
He and Wambui urged Cord leader Raila Odinga to let the government and CS Anne Waiguru work amid investigations into allegations of financial impropriety in the Devolution ministry.
