Kenya's longest serving military chief Gen Mulinge sent off in style

MACHAKOS COUNTY: Kenya's longest serving military chief, the late Rtd Gen Jackson Kimeu Mulinge, was laid to rest at a colourful ceremony held at Kathiani Boys High School in Machakos County Saturday. Mourners from all walks of life started trickling to Mulinge's home town of Kathiani as early as 7am in the morning, where business was brought to a near standstill.

The casket bearing the remains of the late Mulinge that was covered with the Kenyan flag arrived in Kathiani at exactly 10.15am, escorted by dozens of retired Army Generals.

President Uhuru Kenyatta led thousands of mourners in paying tribute to the late Mulinge who was eulogised as a military giant and one of the bravest military chiefs in Kenya's history.

Both political and religious leaders heaped praise on the late Mulinge, with many terming him as 'an outstanding human being' whose behaviour is worth emulating.

In her tribute to her late husband, Mulinge's widow, Lesa Mutethya described her husband as a loving, caring and responsible helper who stood by her throughout their 70 years of marriage.

"My husband has been an outstanding helper, provider and above all he loved his family, friends and even neighbours. His kindness and warm presence will forever remain in our memories," she said.

Retired President Daniel Moi, in whose reign in office Mulinge served for several years as Chief of General Staff, described Mulinge's death as a big loss to the country. "The death of Mulinge has robbed Kenyans one of the most industrious sons who was always ready to take responsibility for his actions," said Moi.

The late Mulinge is credited for playing the major role in quelling the infamous 1982 attempted military coup on Moi's government.

Moi revealed to mourners that Mulinge's bravery as a soldier caught his eye, which led to his speedy promotion to the rank of General. "After realising that Mulinge was a man made of steel, I picked him and in recognition of his bravery and hard work, promoted him to the rank of full General," he said.

Chief of Defence Forces General Julius Karangi, who once served under Gen Mulinge, eulogised him as a time-conscious military commander who had no respect for time wasters. "His death is not only a big blow to the entire KDF, but also to his family and all Kenyans who knew him," said Gen Karangi.

Former Chief of Defence Forces Rtd Gen Jeremiah Kianga, in his address, described Mulinge as a strong, firm and focused military commander. "We will all aspire to follow in the footsteps of Gen Mulinge, for Generals never die, they only fade away," he said.

CORD leaders, including former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, former VP Kalonzo Musyoka, Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang'ula also addressed the mourners.

Others included Senators Johnstone Muthama (Machakos) Bonny Khalalwe (Kakamega), Mike Sonko (Nairobi) and leader of Majority in Parliament Aden Duale among others.

The Kenya Defence Forces later fired a 21-gun salute at Mulinge's home at Kyuluni Village where he was laid at his final resting place.

COLOURFUL CAREER

Born in 1924, in Kathiani District, Machakos County, the late Mulinge was educated at the African Inland Mission School in Machakos before joining the Kings African Rifles Education Services for higher education.

His career in the armed forces began in 1942 when he enlisted in the then Kings African Rifles. He also served in the World War 11 in Malaysia and rose through the ranks to Warrant Officer Class One in 1956.

Mulinge was the first African officer in Kenya to be commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1961 and appointed Platoon Commander in the 3rd Battallion Kings African Rifles (3KAR). He rose through the ranks and was later promoted to become rank of Major General in 1971.

Mulinge boasted of several honours, including Elder of the Golden Heart (EGH), Moran of the Golden Heart (MGH), Moran of the Burning Spear (MBS) and Distinguished Conduct Order (DCO). He died at the age of 90 and is survived by his widow, nine children and 35 grandchildren.