By Moses Njagih
Emotional tributes from Orwa Ojode’s wife Mary and son Andrew moved mourners who congregated at Unga village in Homa-Bay to bury the former Internal Security Assistant Minister, as the theme of national unity stood out at the gathering.
Mrs Ojode and her son were composed as they recalled the family virtues exhibited by the deceased.
Their eulogies set the theme of national unity that remained a constant topic among the many leaders who spoke at the burial.
Those who spoke appeared to pick up from the call of unity that were particularly advanced by Mrs Ojode, with President Kibaki saying it was rhetoric for the leaders to keep speaking about national unity but engage in divisive politics.
“These are words that I have heard over and over again because I have been in Parliament for long. Why do we keep repeating the same things, why not use these words as our guide every day? That is what would bring us together and that is what is missing,” said Kibaki.
In her eulogy, Ojode’s widow talked of how her husband abhorred violence and divisive politics, urging politicians against such schemes that ended up dividing the nation.
“I have heard people, highly placed politicians plan how to kill, but that is not Joshua,” said a mournful but composed Mrs Ojode, in a heart-moving tribute. And possibly fearing that her husband’s burial could see the politicians start engaging in political antics, Mrs Ojode who referred to her late husband as a “wonderful guy”, urged politicians not to politicise burials.
Her call on Kenyans to engage in politics that promote national unity set the platform, with Kibaki, Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Lands Minister James Orengo dwelling on the topic.
Regional cocoons
Raila said politicians must work towards building a united nation, urging Kenyans to reject those dividing the country along ethnic lines.
“We must say no to these ethnic based outfits. These groups such as the Western union, Gema, Kamatusa must be rejected. We must build one nation,” said the PM.
Orengo said leaders were guilty of championing national unity only in talk but retreating to their regional cocoons afterwards.
“We are very good Kenyans during weddings and in burials but after that we move back to view others from the point of their ethnic base,” said Orengo.
Kalonzo said working towards a united nation would be a great tribute to both Ojode and former Minister George Saitoti.
“We must decide to be one nation and one people. I would hate a situation where we have a Kisumu Kenya, Kiambu Kenya, Kitui Kenya and Mombasa Kenya,” said Kalonzo.
