By ROSEYNE OBALA
As family and friends bid the late Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo, his grandson stood out.
Mumo Kethi kilonzo stole the show just as his mother Kethi Kilonzo dominated the headlines a few months ago.
The young Mumo boldly eulogised his late grandfather. He did not shy away from the mammoth crowd. He confidently took to the podium accompanied by his two cousins and addressed mourners, who included President Uhuru Kenyatta. As soon as he stood on the podium, he grabbed mourners’ attention as everyone struggled to get a glimpse of him.
He first began by acknowledging top dignitaries who had come to bid farewell to his departed grandfather.
Dressed in a grey suite, Mumo appreciated the late Senator in a way Mutula would have wanted.
“My grandfather was loving, caring and honest, “ he said, as the crowd cheered.
“I concur with my uncle that despite his sudden departure, he remains in our body, hearts and mind.” He noted that even if Kilonzo is gone, they will carry on with his legacy.
“We are going to retain him in our hearts. We are going to rise higher and higher and make you proud,” he said as he went on posing with confidence, as was the nature of his grandfather.
He added; “ You were the best grandfather we would have ever asked for.”
Mumo’s confidence amazed Uhuru, former president Mwai Kibaki and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, among others.
Mumo immediately after completing his speech greeted the leaders who were happy with his self-assurance.
Uhuru praised the boy’s brilliance assuring the family that young Mumo will take after Mutula. “Mutula’s grandson seeks to emulate him. His children, grandchildren and his name will live on,” he said. “Mutula Kilonzo is indeed living in the boy.”
There were light moments at the funeral.Mutula’s wife Cyrose Nduku, despite being bereaved, challenged men to shower their wives with their love.
“He spoilt and loved me. He even had a rose garden for me,” she said. Kibaki caused laughter when he told Mutula’s family not to hesitate to ask for assistance, arguing that if they fail to do so, they will have themselves to blame.
He further caused more laughter when he disclosed that he decided to come to the funeral by road to see for himself the road network.
“I came along a meandering road, but was determined to do so and see it. I have seen a lot of beautiful and brilliant people. I now know we have such people in this part of the country,” he said.
He continued,” I delayed a bit. I took plenty of time for no good reason. I just delayed along the road talking to people.”
Raila took on President Uhuru arguing that he had pledge to ensure the road is completed when he formed the Government.
“If I had been elected president, I would have ensured the road is completed, but since I didn’t make it, am delighted to delegate the work to the president,” he said, amid laughter.
Former Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka also had moment when he recalled during Ruth Waki’s funeral that Mutula wished he had petitioned the case in court.
