Lawmakers condole with late Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang's family, give cash support

Parliamentarians led by speakers Ekwee Ethuro (Senate) and Justin Muturi (National Assembly) yesterday condoled with the family of the late Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang' at his Runda home in Nairobi.

The legislators eulogised Kajwang' as patriotic and humorous, and said he held no grudges.

They said they would give him a befitting send-off and pledged to fund a project in his honour.

The lawmakers affirmed that Kajwang's death was a big loss to his family, constituents and the entire nation.

Ethuro, Muturi, Senate Majority Leader Kithure Kindiki , Minority Leader Moses Wetang'ula, National Assembly Majority Leader Adan Duale and Minority leader Francis Nyenze disclosed that they would unite in sponsoring the project in memory of the senator.

The two House speakers presented a Sh3.5 million contribution from MPs and Sh2.060,000 from senators to Kajwang's widow, Rose Otieno.

Public good

"Kajwang' will be remembered as an outstanding leader who struggled for the public good. His famous tune, 'Mapambano', was not by accident. He always put the interests of the public first, not minding the consequences," said Ethuro.

Muturi also had good words for his former colleague, college mate and mentor in politics.

"In our heyday at the University of Nairobi, Kajwang' stood firm on student issues, which resulted in his expulsion," he said.

Kindiki admitted that Kajwang's death was a blow to the nation and called for unity among leaders.

"Kajwang' was dear to all of us. His friendship transcended party loyalty," he said.

Wetang'ula said Kajwang' never disappointed when it came to party rallies as he was the most sought after speaker and denying him a chance was a recipe for revolt by crowds.

"He was a passionate, focused, patriotic speaker and this manifested in his last contribution in the Senate on police reforms and national security," he added.

Despite Duale's perceived differences with Kajwang' over his tenure at the Immigration ministry, he credited him with opening the first immigration office in Garissa.