President Uhuru Kenyatta mourns former minister Waruru Kanja, terms him a true patriot

By PSCU

ELDORET, KENYA:  President Uhuru Kenyatta has mourned Waruru Kanja, a freedom fighter who went on to play a leading role in post-independence politics in Kenya.

The President described the late Kanja as a true son of Kenya and a patriot, who contributed immensely to the struggle for the country’s independence. “He was one of the towering politicians to have emerged from central Kenya, but who was a true nationalist at heart and in action”.

“Indeed, Kanja’s name will be remembered alongside other icons of Kenya’s freedom struggle who were ready to lay down their lives for the sake of our country’s independence,” President Kenyatta said.

He said the late Kanja’s legacy and commitment to a free society – where people go about doing their business to improve the welfare of ordinary people – will always remain etched in Kenyans’ minds.

As Kenya marks the 50th anniversary of its independence, the Head of State said the new crop of leaders in the country should emulate the doyen of independence struggle and focus on politics of inclusion that will consolidate national unity.

President Kenyatta said the death of the long serving former Cabinet Minister leaves a huge vacuum that will be hard to fill.

“To everyone who knew him and had the opportunity to work with him, the late Kanja was well respected as a humble, kind and courageous man who had a singular sense of duty to his family, his community and the nation at large.

“His quest for inclusive growth and equitable development are some of the hallmarks of his life that we must continue to abide by.”