Mourners throng Saitoti’s requiem mass

By Joylene Sing'oei

President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga Friday afternoon joined other top government officials, family and friends for the requiem mass for the late Internal Security Minister George Saitioti.

Several mourners thronged the mass held at Holy Family Basilica, Nairobi.

Prof Saitoti was killed in Sunday chopper crash together with his Assistant Minister Joshua Orwa Ojode. Others who died in the crash are the pilot Captain Nancy Gituanja, co-pilot captain Luke Oyugis and two bodyguards Inspector Joshua Tonkei and sergeant Thomas Murumi.

The mass was presided by Cardinal John Njue. He said the late Saitoti will be remembered for the great work he did to the nation in the capacities he served.

“Saitoti’s death is not only a great loss to his family and relatives but also to the whole nation. He will be remembered for the great things he did to the country and will be deeply missed, “said Cardinal Njue.

The accident occured in Kibiku area of Ngong on the outskirts of Nairobi. Saitoti and Ojodeh were heading to Nyarongi Catholic Church in Ndhiwa where they were to help fundraise funds to purchase furniture for the newly built church. But as fate would have it, they did not make to their destination as the cruel hands of death robbed Kenyans of the duo, two pilots and two bodyguards.

Ojodeh was the Ndhiwa MP while Saitoti represented Kajiado North. Saitoti will be buried in his Kitengela farm, Kajiado on Saturday. Ojode’s burial is set for Sunday June 17 in Ndhiwa. Pilots Gituanja and Oyugi  and the bodygurads Tonkei and Murimi will be buried on Tuesday and wednesday next week.

A requiem mass for internal security assistant minister Orwa Ojode was held on Thursday.