Leaders mourn Senator Otieno Kajwang'

Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang’ (third right), a brother of the late Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang’, with other leaders and Government officials at Mater Hospital after learning of the passing on of the senator on Tuesday night. BELOW: The senator’s bodyguard Michael Kaogha at Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi yesterday. [Photos: Moses Omusula and WAWERU MURAGE/STANDARD]

Kenya: The country was on Wednesday united in mourning Homa Bay Senator Gerald Otieno Kajwang'.

The ruling coalition Jubilee, opposition Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) and wananchi were unanimous in describing the fallen senator as an eloquent debater, a patriot and a nationalist.

Mr Kajwang', fondly remembered by friends and foes for his 'Bado Mapambano' clarion call, breathed his last at Nairobi's Mater Hospital, where he was rushed after complaining of pain in his chest, on Tuesday night.

The outspoken senator was rushed to the hospital by his wife and daughter at around 9.30pm and collapsed on arrival.

President Uhuru Kenyatta, his deputy William Ruto, and CORD principals Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetang'ula led the nation in mourning, describing Kajwang's death as a blow not only to Homa Bay County but the country at large.

"I will always remember Senator Kajwang' as an eloquent debater, a patriot and a nationalist. Indeed, it is hard to comprehend how the cruel hand of death has so suddenly snatched Senator Kajwang from our midst," President Kenyatta said in a statement.

Deputy President Ruto said Kajwang' had distinguished himself as one of Kenya's most brilliant lawyers.

STEADFAST LEADER

He said the country had lost a steadfast leader whose contribution to the law profession, justice, good governance and democracy was evident.

"We have lost a very strong, staunch and dedicated member of ODM and of the CORD coalition," Raila said moments after viewing the senator's body at Lee Funeral Home.

Former President Daniel arap Moi said he recognised Kajwang' when he served briefly as Kanu's secretary for legal affairs during the NDP/Kanu merger in 2002.

He said Kajwang' was an intelligent lawyer with remarkable presence of mind and infectious humour.

"Kajwang' will be greatly missed not only by his family but by all those who knew him," said Mr Moi.

Former President Kibaki said he learnt of the sudden passing of Kajwang' with profound shock and disbelief.

"The late Kajwang', be it in Cabinet or public rallies, expressed his views with notable flair and exuberance. Indeed, one did not need to necessarily agree with him every time but few, if any, would fail to notice, let alone ignore, his trademark charm and charisma," Mr Kibaki said.

Kalonzo said Kajwang's death would inspire CORD's fight for a better and just Kenya.

Council of Governors chairman Isaac Ruto said the Senate, and by extension Kenya's devolved family, had lost a gallant soldier and strident advocate for the principles and objectives of devolution.

Senate Speaker Ekwe Ethuro said Kajwang was "a prolific debater who delivered incisive contributions with a sense of humour, candour and freshness that drove the point home without fear of contradiction".

UDF leader Musalia Mudavadi said having worked with Kajwang', he realised you could never read hatred in his pronouncements.

POLITICAL STAGE

"Kajwang' was not only an entertainer on the political stage, but had a great knack for simplifying complex matters with hard-biting humour," Mudavadi added.

Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho described Kajwang' as a true democrat and reformist legislator who was at the forefront in the second liberation.

Kajwang was last in Mombasa on November 10 attending a senators' forum.

(Reports by Alex Kiprotich, Geoffrey Mosoku and Willis Oketch)