HUNDREDS ATTEND FUNERAL OF A VETERAN DRIVER

Siakago Member of Parliament Hon. Lenny Kivuti and hundreds of mourners over the weekend attended the burial of his official driver, Newton Ngari Nthiga. The renowned driver who was also a cousin of the MP died on February 6, 2009 while being taken to hospital after he was knocked by a speeding motorist along the busy Waiyaki way in Nairobi.

Tears flowed as the convoy of vehicles and the villagers accompanying the body of the late driver entered his humble home in Kavengero village, Mbeere North District. Some of the mourners fainted and had to be carried away.

New, as he was fondly known was an experience driver and knew his work well.

Speakers described Ngari as a humble and hardworking man who was liked by many people. A political activist, Mr. Njeru wa Kabici, said Ngari was his true friend and a friend of many people. “He was a true friend and would always intermingle with every one,” recalled Kabici as tears rolled down his cheeks.

The MP who looked disturbed by the turn of events following the death of Ngari described the late driver as a confidant and an honest man whom he had helped in many occasions. “We were very close as my driver and cousin and I leant of his death with great shock”, said the MP adding that measure needs to be put in place to make our roads safer for all users.

Prior to his death, Ngari had worked in the Matatu (commuter Taxi) industry, Geomaps Africa, a geoinfofrmation services company http://geoafrica.com, Kenya Power and Lighting Company as a driver to then Managing Director Mr. James Gichuru. In March 2008 he got promoted to work in parliament as Hon. Kivuti’s personal driver.

The burial ceremony was also attended by Permanent Secretary Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Dr. (Eng) Cyrus Njiru, Manyatta Member of Parliament Hon. Emilio Kathuri and former Nithi legislator Petkey Miriti.

The late Ngari is survived by a wife Ann Nduku, and two children Mercy Wanja and Wycliffe Gitonga.