Leaders unite in calls to keep Gakuru’s bright vision alive

Former Nyeri Governor Wahome Gakuru was laid to rest yesterday at his home in a well-attended ceremony.

County residents, family and friends paid their last respects to the third Nyeri governor at a funeral service held at Kagumo High School and attended by thousands of mourners.

Gakuru, who had been in office for barely three months, was remembered as a visionary leader and an academic. He died in an accident on Nairobi-Murang’a road on November 7.

The ceremony was conducted by Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Moderator Rev Julius Mwamba.

Led by President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto, the mourners paid glowing tribute to Gakuru, describing him as a visionary leader whose contribution to the country was enormous.

Retired President Mwai Kibaki also attended but did not address mourners. His eulogy was delivered by DP Ruto.

President Kenyatta said he was ready to intervene to ensure Gakuru’s vision for Nyeri County is implemented.

“We will work on his plan together with the new governor to ensure we accomplish his vision and not for Nyeri County alone, but for the entire nation,” he said.

He promised the new Governor Muhahi Kahiga that the national government will work hand in hand with his administration to actualise Gakuru’s dream of eradicating poverty and creating jobs for the youth.

The President promised to ensure the completion of Ruringu Stadium in readiness for Nyeri Marathon next year. he said the marathon will be named after the fallen governor.

At least 38 governors attended the funeral and eulogised Gakuru as industrious and intelligent.

On their behalf, Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya said Gakuru’s death was a big loss to the country whose vision should not die with him.

Gakuru’s family, led by his widow Catherine Wahome, described him as a hard working man who stood for what he believed was right.

Mrs Wahome said her husband was a focused, diligent, resilient, lateral thinker and a visionary leader who always had time for his family.

“Despite challenges Gakuru had a special heart for his boys and family. You have indeed left a big gap and we shall still soldier on and we know we will succeed,” she said.

She assured people of Nyeri County that her husband’s vision will not be buried with him but will be actualised by the team he has left behind.

“He was a hustler, a visionary and selfless leader who had worked hard to put the interest of his country and county before anything else,” said Mrs Wahome.

Family spokeperson Waruru Ndegwa said Gakuru had opted to remain poor rather than steal a penny from the public coffers.

“He used to say he better die poor and leave nothing to his family than take what does not belong to him. We often referred to him as a hustler,” said Ndegwa.

Gakuru’s family, led by his widow Catherine Wahome and sons.

Gakuru’s three sons, Wangai Gakuru, Mugambi Mwenda and Maina Kimathi, described their late father as their source of strength, saying they will immensely miss his presence and guidance.