The Cabinet Secretary for East African Community and Regional Development, Peninah Malonza, found herself in a difficult situation after invoking President William Ruto’s name at a funeral in Chuluni, Kitui East.

Malonza, while addressing mourners gathered for the late journalist James Musungu Kyumbe, mentioned that President Ruto was trying to curb the cost of living in the country.

“The cost of living is high, and the President is aware of it. You see him going abroad to borrow money because we found empty coffers. But he is committed to bringing down the cost of living,” she said.

However, her remarks did not sit well with the mourners, and they became rowdy as Malonza pleaded with them to allow her to finish her speech quickly.

The crowd, roaring loudly, grew more agitated as the CS tried to expedite her speech, prompting her to issue a passionate appeal for them to let her finish.

“I have five things to say. Please let me complete my remarks. Allow me to finish without taking the microphone from me,” pleaded CS Malonza.

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Among those present at the funeral were former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu and Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu, who criticized the CS over the rising cost of living under the Kenya Kwanza regime.

“I was a CS like you, and considering you are a woman in that Cabinet, please inform President Ruto that people are suffering to the extent of walking barefoot,” Ngilu urged Malonza.

Kyumbe, a prominent figure in the Kamba community’s media sector, passed away after battling with skin cancer.