By ROSELYNE OBALA and DANIEL NZIA

There were tears but also much laughter as the final journeyof the late Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo came to an end at his ancestral home in Woyani village on Thursday.

It was a funeral like no other, characterised by glowing tributes from two former and a serving President as well as top leaders from across the political divide.

President Kenyatta, former president Kibaki, former prime minister Raila Odinga, former vice president Kalonzo Musyoka, former deputy prime minister Musalia Mudavadi and Baringo Senator Gideon Moi, representing former President Moi, were among other leaders who thronged the home to pay their last respects.

The younger Moi read a special tribute from his father former President Moi, who also described the late leader as dedicated leader and outstanding lawyer.

The leaders temporarily set aside their political differences as one after another recounted the good times they shared with the former minister for Justice and said he had touched the lives of many Kenyans.

There was heavy Government presence at the tiny village of Woyani in Makueni County, with a contingent of security officers drawn from regular and administration police deployed to maintain security.

The late senator’s cortege proceeded from Lee Funeral Home straight to his home for prayers before being taken to Kikima secondary school grounds for the funeral service presided over by Anglican Church of Kenya Makueni Bishop Joseph Kanuku.

Kilonzo’s widow Nduku said the past few weeks had been tough for the family as it came to terms with the reality that her husband was no more.

“I have indeed gone through a difficult time. One has to be in my position to feel it,” she said.

She revealed to the mourners that Kilonzo pressured her into returning an engagement ring given to her by a man she was about to marry.

“He met me when he was divorced and declared his love for me. I had a man in my life and was set to get married when he pressured me to return the ring to the owner and marry him. He teased me a lot and since he had his way with words, I gave in and the rest is history,” she said.

Mutula Kilonzo Junior recalled that his father was an early riser and the day he failed to wake up early was his last.

Junior said his father was not a generous man and they had to come up with excuses to get the money from him.

President Uhuru said: “Mutula was a man of principle and meant his words. He was a man of integrity and dedicated his whole life to his country.”

Uhuru recounted that he was the Kanu lawyer and that was where he noticed his brilliance.

“After the 2002 elections, where Kenyans chose former president Kibaki and we formed the opposition, I nominated him to Parliament,” said Uhuru.

He affirmed that Kilonzo had a sharp mind needed in the House to articulate issues and defend the rights of Kenyans, therefore by giving him one of the few slot for nominated MPs.

Uhuru recalled that they served again the cabinet under Kibaki where he continued displaying his leadership as a true patriot.

“Mutula was never partisan. He played national politics for the interest of the nation,” said the president.

He however admitted that Kilonzo never shied away from expressing his feelings even if it meant going against the sponsoring party as he had the spirit of nationhood.

He challenged Kilonzo’s children to emulate their father’s great deeds and keep his legacy alive.

Kibaki concurred with Uhuru as he also called on the bereaved to live and let the name of the father remain famous. “You have got the same brain, body, spirit and capacity to do so,” he stressed. Kibaki said Kenyans were proud of Kilonzo’s achievements as was reflected through the speeches made at the funeral.

Kibaki, stressed he need of the family staying together and keeping in mind what Kilonzo would have done if he were alive.

The mystery surrounding his death was not completely forgotten as leaders petitioned the Government to investigate the matter and tell Kenyans what happened.

 “This is his final journey as many may say but I reaffirm that in the casket lies the corpse of a great Kenyan whose sudden demise must be (explained) to the citizens he served tirelessly,” said Raila.

He recalled that, whatever task was mandated to Kilonzo he accomplished and therefore he would be greatly missed.

However, the most moving revelation came from former VP Musyoka who disclosed that Kilonzo had requested to see him two weeks before his untimely death.

“What is puzzling me is what he wanted to tell me. He has sent my protocol officer to inform that he wanted a quality time with his party leader,” he recalled.

Gideon Moi, who read former president Moi’s condolence message, said it was a personal loss because Mutula was a friend who was not only cherished, but was also a brilliant and sharp legal mind.