Leaders were united in grief yesterday during the funeral of Jonathan Kipkemoi Toroitich Moi, the first son to former President Moi.
At a time when most funerals have been turned into political platforms, Jonathan’s funeral was different as the political class restrained themselves to condoling with the bereaved family.
AIC Kenya Presiding Bishop Silas Yego set the mood for other speakers urging them to stay away from politics when addressing the mourners.
“It has been a norm that politicians take funerals as platforms to drive their political agenda. This is unfortunate and I urge the leaders present to change from today,” Bishop Yego said.
Causing divisions
The cleric further urged the leaders to unite the country saying political rhetoric was dividing Kenyans.
His sentiments were echoed by Jonathan’s brother Raymond Moi who said that Kenya was divided and there was need for the leaders to trace their steps and unite the country.
“The bitter truth is that the country is divided by the daily politicking. We have to stop pursuing personal political interests and focus on having a united country,” Raymond said.
Deputy President William Ruto called on Kenyans to co-exist.
“For the good of this country, let us all work together and have a united country. A country united for purpose. It is time we built bridges and ensured our differences do not stop us from forging our way forward,” Ruto said.
Senate Majority leader Kipchumba Murkomen called on political leaders to emulate former President Moi’s passion of uniting the country.
He noted that majority of leaders had joined politics through the support of Moi who was a strong advocate for peace.
“Looking at the country’s politics, I yearn for the unity that Mzee Moi taught us when we joined politics. We appear to have lost track in following into his footsteps for a united people,” Murkomen said.
He vowed to rally other senators and leaders from across the political divide to unite the country.
Earlier, Senate Minority leader James Orengo went to condole with President Moi before attending the funeral service at Kabarak University grounds.
Orengo pointed out that Moi’s message to the leaders was to ensure the country is not split along tribal lines.
“Mzee Moi laid emphasis on leaders taking charge of uniting the country. He questioned what all of us were doing to unite Kenyans.
“From the meeting, I believe that we have a task ahead which we should embark on now,” he said.
Eldama Ravine MP Moses Lessonet said unity was key in order to drive development agenda.
He recalled moments after he won the parliamentary seat how Jonathan threw his weight behind him for the good of their constituents.
“Jonathan offered his support to me and helped me bring together all our supporters. His promise was that he would not contest against me if I delivered my mandate. It is through his support that I managed to bring development to our area,” Lessonet said.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka urged elected leaders to foster peace in their communities as a way to define their legacy.
“We need to stand by the principles of peace, love and unity taught to us by Mzee Moi. To achieve any goals we need to stand with one another. There is no higher recognition that one can get than serving humanity in a godly way,” Kalonzo said.
His sentiments were echoed by Amani National Congress party leader Musalia Mudavadi who urged leaders to focus on delivering pledges to the electorate before pursuing personal political interests.
Replicated
Mudavadi said it was worrying that politicians are using funerals to settle political scores in total disregard of the bereaved.
“It has reached a point that religious leaders have to vet what politicians want to say at funerals. Some storm funerals where they don’t know who the deceased is and turn the event into a political rally,” he said.
On his part, Chama Cha Mashinani party leader and former Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto urged leaders to look beyond their political parties and work together.
“I have been working closely with leaders from other parties and this should be replicated in all parties.
“The country is bigger than individuals. With every sunrise and sunset we all remain Kenyans,” he said.
