Serve to change lives, urges Uhuru as Kabage laid to rest

President Uhuru Kenyatta during the burial ceremony of lawyer and businessman Karanja Kabage at Mangu in Rongai, Nakuru County. (Kipsang Joseph, Standard)

Political leaders united in Nakuru County yesterday to mourn lawyer and businessman Karanja Kabage, who died last Friday of a heart attack.

President Uhuru Kenyatta was joined by his deputy William Ruto, opposition leader Raila Odinga and ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi to lay Kabage to rest at his farm in Mangu, Rongai sub-county.

Kabage, 70, was eulogised as a visionary entrepreneur and pioneering African insurance broker who built a fine business from the 1980s.

President Kenyatta eulogised Kabage as a trusted person, who believed in hard work and enjoyed the fruits of his labour.

“Mr Kabage did not only work for himself but was very much involved in policy making and ensuring the country remained united,” he said.

He reminded leaders to devote their efforts to the service of Kenyans instead of endless politics.

“If you are a politician, do not only think about enriching yourself but instead ask yourself how you will improve lives of the people,” he said.

He urged professionals in various fields to put service to their country first and not be driven purely by personal gain.

In his tribute, Ruto said he had known Kabage for more than 20 years, describing him as a person of great influence to many young people.

He said Kabage kept following up on the progress he was making and would challenge him to form a proper insurance company.

“He became a great influence to me and when he changed his business’s name to Pacific, we changed ours to Pan African Insurance,” said the DP.

Raila eulogised Kabage as a true patriot who loved his country.

“I Knew him when he was doing insurance business. But I got to know him better when I met him with Kenneth Matiba. He told me his roots were in Murang’a but he was a patriot and interacted easily with everyone,” said the ODM leader.