President Uhuru mourns former minister Mungai

President Uhuru Kenyatta. [PHOTO: FILE/STANDARD]

MOMBASA, KENYA: President Uhuru Kenyatta has mourned Dr Njoroge Mungai, a freedom fighter, veteran politician, former Cabinet Minister, and one of Kenya’s greatest physicians, who passed away earlier Saturday.

The President described the late Dr Mungai as a true son of Kenya, who had contributed immensely to the struggle for independence and thereafter shaped the country’s political landscape.

“Dr Mungai’s name will be remembered alongside other icons of Kenya’s freedom struggle who laid down their lives and made self-sacrifices for the sake of our country’s independence,” President Kenyatta said.

President Kenyatta paid glowing tribute to Dr Mungai, saying he will always be remembered for his distinguished service to the country as a brilliant medical doctor, a Cabinet Minister and a shrewd businessman.

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

The Head of State called on the new crop of leaders in the country to emulate the doyen of the independence struggle and focus on politics of inclusion that would consolidate national unity.

President Kenyatta added that the death of Dr Mungai is a big blow to the country, as it leaves a huge vacuum that will be hard to fill.

“To everyone who knew him and had the privilege to work with him, Dr. Mungai was respected as a humble, kind and courageous man who had a singular sense of duty to his family and the nation at large,” the President said.

He prayed to God to give the bereaved family, relatives and friends the strength and courage to bear the tragic loss.