Machakos Senator Boniface Mutinda Kabaka was on Tuesday buried at his home in Mikuyu village, Masinga Sub-County.

Several high-profile leaders including Deputy President William Ruto, Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua and Senators Irungu Kangata (Murang’a), George Khaniri (Vihiga) and Amos Wako (Busia) attended the function.

Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua arrives for Senator Kabaka's burial. [Erastus Mulwa, Standard]
All set for the burial of Machakos Senator Boniface Kabaka. [Erastus Mulwa, Standard]
Senator Kabaka burial: The hearse arrives. [Erastus Mulwa, Standard]

The late Kabaka burst into the political scene in 2013 when he threw his hat into the ring for the Machakos senatorial seat.

He lost to Johnstone Muthama. Kabaka, a lawyer, would then be recruited by Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua as the governor’s principal advisor on legal issues. His stint at the County Government of Machakos was, however, short-lived and he left office two years later.

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From Right: Deputy President William Ruto, Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Ford Kenya party leader Moses Wetangula and other leaders during the funeral service of Machakos Senator Boniface Kabaka at his home in Mikuyuni, Masinga Constituency. [Dennis Kavisu, Standard]

He made a political comeback in 2017, clinching the Machakos senatorial seat on a Chama Cha Uzalendo (CCU) party ticket at a time when the Wiper Democratic Movement party wave was sweeping across Ukambani.

Kabaka has been described as an astute lawmaker, a straight shooter, defender of devolution and an orator with a roaring voice. Often, the senator, wearing his signature look, a pair of glasses on his head, mixed humour and legal jargon when debating in the House.

A first-time senator, Kabaka always reminded his colleagues about the history of the country and the importance of safeguarding constitutional gains and putting the government on check.

He spoke authoritatively on matters devolution and was a stickler for the rule of law when ventilating on legislative matters.

He was part of “Team Kenya” that stood against the government in the impasse on the third basis generation formula for sharing cash equitably among the 47 counties.

Kabaka died on December 11, 2020, while receiving treatment at a Nairobi hospital a week after he ended up in the intensive care unit (ICU).