PCEA apologizes after minister blocks tribute at burial

By Newsflash Writer

The Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) has issued a public apology following an incident in which one of its ministers stopped colleagues of a deceased woman from presenting a song during her burial ceremony in Kirinyaga County.

The incident, which occurred last weekend in Kiangai, Kirinyaga West Sub-County, sparked widespread outrage both at the funeral and later online, where many Kenyans criticised the conduct of the presiding clergy.

Trouble began during the funeral service when staff from Family Bank, where the deceased had worked, sought to perform a song in memory of their colleague. However, the presiding minister, Rev Josephine Gakenia of the Kiangai Presbytery, barred them from doing so.

Rev Gakenia reportedly accused the bank staff of having “disrespected” her, a claim that confused many mourners who felt there was nothing inappropriate about the tribute.

“We have never seen something like this in Kiangai… they [the Family Bank staff] have disrespected a church minister,” Rev Gakenia said during the service, drawing jeers and murmurs of disapproval from sections of the congregation.

Among those present at the burial was Family Bank Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Nancy Njau, alongside other members of staff who had turned up to honour their departed colleague.

Witnesses said the tense exchange disrupted the solemn mood of the funeral, leaving many mourners shocked and uncomfortable at what they described as an unnecessary confrontation at a moment meant for unity and remembrance.

Online backlash mounts

News of the incident quickly spread on social media, where videos and accounts from attendees triggered a storm of criticism. Hundreds of Kenyans condemned the minister’s actions, terming them insensitive and inconsistent with the comforting role expected of clergy during bereavement.

Many users questioned why a simple tribute from co-workers would be viewed as disrespectful, arguing that funerals are often spaces where different groups in a person’s life are allowed to celebrate their memory.

The backlash placed pressure on the church to respond, with calls for accountability and an official explanation over what had transpired.

Church says incident ‘isolated’

In a statement released on Thursday, January 29, 2026, PCEA Moderator Rt Rev Thegu Mutahi expressed regret over the incident and asked Kenyans for forgiveness.

“On behalf of the church, I would like to apologise, because there are some things that went overboard that day,” he said.

“We would like to request all those who have watched the incident to forgive us. The mistake happened, although it was at a solemn occasion to bid farewell to a departed soul.”

Rt Rev Mutahi emphasised that the church does not condone such conduct and described the episode as an isolated case.

“As a church, this is not our tradition. It’s an isolated incident. We apologise. We are engaging the minister as our fellow colleague. The truth is we are also supposed to pray and support her, even if there are other interventions which will be made,” he added.

He further said the church takes responsibility when errors occur. “As a church, when a mistake happens, we accept.”

The moderator also extended condolences to the bereaved family and the Family Bank fraternity, saying: “We send our sincere condolences to the bereaved family. We also send our heartfelt wishes to the Family Bank fraternity, who lost one of their staff.”