Fare thee well, mapambano man Gerald Otieno Kajwang'

The passing of Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang' has no doubt rattled Coalition for Reforms and Democracy's political core. And since the man lived a political life, and will certainly receive a political send-off, there will be predictable calls in certain quarters that his death is investigated to remove any shreds of doubt about political tinkering in his demise.

That's as it should be, although it speaks to the larger question at the heart of every Kenyan politician: The fallibility of human life. That all of us at a certain point, will meet a similar fate. That could be a scary prospect for those scheming to inherit the earthly kingdom, which scares them to imagine they shall leave it all here.

So questions about life and death can only be approached from the limiting view of politics and those hell-bent on expanding their political kingdoms.

But that's not to say such inquiries into Kajwang's death are neither valid nor necessary.

Incidentally, I met Kajwang', for the first and last time at the Nairobi Hospital in late October, as I queued to await my son's treatment. I recall being struck by his towering height and bulky physique. Now death has cut him down.

Fare thee well, 'Mapambano' man.