Multimedia University student leader given a General's sendoff [PHOTOS]

Losing his life barely weeks to his birthday, the 21-year-old will be remembered as a bold leader who never minced his words, stood his ground and tirelessly championed for the rights of students he represented as a secretary general.

“Kiprono’s departure is once again a reminder on the need to keep on rekindling the spirit of true leadership, change and reforms,” read part of the statement released by Kenya University Students Organisation.

During the funeral ceremony that was held on the grounds of Merigi High School, former Kipkelion MP Vincent Kigen eulogised Yusuf as a friend and a young man he mentored. “Wakati alikuwa anatafuta kura, Yusuf alikuwa na shida with the office of the dean, akanipigia simu akaniuliza nifanyaje, nikamwambia usitoke kwa mlango ya hiyo ofisi paka upate haki,” Vincent Kigen told the mourners. Close to 3,000 mourners attended the burial , including the area MCA, former Bomet Woman Representative Cecilia Ng’etich, Kenyatta University Students Organisation (KUSO) president, KUSO leaders and university students from across the nation.

When the time came for the body to be laid to rest, a section of mourners, mostly students he studied with at Multimedia University and close associates of his, took over.

They got hold of the casket, placed it in a police Land Rover, jumped onto the vehicle and proceeded with the body to the burial site. On the way, owing to the muddy road and uneven terrain, the comrades opted on carrying the coffin to the grave site while singing Luo and ‘comrade’ dirges with the pallbearers shouting, “Rest in power Yusuf! Rest in power general!”.

The villagers, perplexed with the way the university students chose to mourn and bury their own, took a step back and watched the rare spectacle. Finally, at the grave, calm resumed, the preacher took over and the ‘general,’ as the deceased was nicknamed, had his remains interred.

Yusuf is survived by a sister, three brothers and his parents.