Drama at Ababu Namwamba bodyguard's funeral as brother claims he faced misery at home

Emotions ran high and tensions erupted during the burial of Jonah Rotich, the long-serving bodyguard of former Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, as a grieving brother laid bare the pain his sibling endured at home.

Amid the solemnity of the funeral held in Uasin Gishu County, Jonah’s brother took to the podium with a heavy heart and a voice thick with emotion.

He recalled his brother as a calm, composed man who rarely showed anger or frustration, even in the most trying circumstances.

“I know we are all hurting,” he began. “But the way Jonah used to endure, silently and with such grace, was something else. Even when working with you, Honourable Ababu Namwamba, he never let frustration show on his face. If he was angry, you’d never know.”

Hon. Ababu Namwamba's former bodyguard Jonah Rotich is being laid to rest today.

During the ceremony, his brother chose to speak candidly and truthfully. pic.twitter.com/SANmAzsx2b

— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) June 4, 2025

He went on to honour Jonah as a dedicated, disciplined officer who had loyally served Namwamba for two decades.

“Jonah told me he gave his work 100 percent. He stood by the minister for 20 years,” he added.

However, behind the calm exterior and professional excellence lay a man who, according to his brother, returned home daily to misery and emotional pressure.

With raw honesty, he alleged that while Jonah found peace at work, his home life was riddled with distress.

“When he went home, it was like walking into a slaughterhouse. I know some of you will be offended by what I’m about to say, but I don’t care,” he stated firmly.

He further stated, “The kind of pressure Jonah was under would’ve split my head open. A man should find rest at home, not chaos. He had calm at work, but none at home.”

Fighting back tears, he continued, “I have to speak today, because we may never get another chance to talk about Jonah like this. He wasn’t the type to complain, but what he confided in me pained me deeply.”

Before he could finish, the tension turned physical. A visibly upset young woman, believed to be related to Jonah, stormed the podium, pointing at him and mumbling emotionally.

The scene quickly escalated before other family members stepped in and ushered her away.

The emcee tried to bring calm to the emotionally charged atmosphere. “Let’s remain calm, please,” he appealed to the mourners.

As tempers settled, a choir took over, singing softly as the family prepared to proceed with the rest of the funeral programme. Jonah Rotich, who succumbed to illness, was finally laid to rest on June 4th.

Ababu mourned his long-serving security officer in a heartfelt post on social media.

For Eighteen years, Corporal Jonah Kemboi Rotich has been more than just a trusted security aide to me. He has been a cherished brother and a true friend. FAMILY in every sense. Professional yet humane, humble yet firm, loyal and honest beyond a morsel of doubt, he has been an… pic.twitter.com/XzXVs8GdDn

— Amb Hon Ababu-Namwamba, EGH?? (@AbabuNamwamba) May 25, 2025