Uhuru, leaders mourn Mutula

By Augustine Oduor and Titus Too

NAIROBI, KENYA: President Uhuru Kenyatta led leaders in condoling with the family of the late Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo.

In his message to the family, relatives and friends of Mutula, Uhuru said he was shocked by the senator’s death. He described Mutula as one of the brilliant minds in Kenya, a principled politician and a renowned lawyer.

Uhuru said the late senator was an astute politician and leader who was immensely popular among the people of Makueni County and beyond. “It was on the strength of his charismatic leadership that I nominated him to Parliament in 2003,” said Uhuru.

The President also noted Mutula was an outstanding performer who served the country diligently in various capacities.

Mutula served as Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Minister for Nairobi Metropolitan and Minister for Education.

“He was a competent, consummate and resolute administrator who stuck to his convictions even in the face of opposition,” he said.

Deputy President William Ruto also conveyed his condolences while attending a function in Nandi County yesterday.

He said he had received the news with shock and described Mutula as a firm leader who worked with dedication.

“Nimepata habari kuwa Senator Mutula ametuacha. Hayuko na sisi tena. Senator ambaye alikuwa waziri wa Elimu hivi majuzi alikuwa mtu wa kujitolea. (I have received information that Senator Kilonzo is no longer with us. Until recently, he was minister for Education and worked with dedication),” said Ruto.

Former President Moi termed Mutula an ‘accomplished lawyer’ and a true servant of the people.

Moi said Mutula was one of his lawyers for a long time. “The senator would be greatly missed, not only by his family, but by all those who value professionalism and service to humankind,” he said.

The former President asked Kenyans to pray for the bereaved family  to bear the loss. And Baringo Senator Gideon Moi mourned Mutula, saying he was a good leader. He spoke at Ebusakami Secondary School in Vihiga County, where the celebratory mood at the thanksgiving for Vihiga Senator George Khaniri turned sombre following the news.

Deep sorrow

Former Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi said he learnt of Mutula’s death with deep sorrow and regret. He said Mutula was a consummate lawyer revered at the bar for his forceful legal arguments and mentoring of young legal minds.

Mudavadi said Mutula would have been at hand to breath fresh air in the Senate, especially on the implementation of devolution.

Eagle Coalition leader Peter Kenneth said he was deeply saddened by Mutula’s death. Through his twitter account, Kenneth said: “My condolences to his family, friends and the people of Makueni.”

Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi said it was a huge loss to CORD, especially the Wiper party.

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen posted on his twitter account: “It is with shock and disbelief that I received the news that my colleague Mutula Kilonzo passed on.”