Team to steer MP's send-off selected

Paul Koinange, who at the time of his death was Kiambaa MP.  [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

The Parliament has constituted a six-member committee to oversee the funeral arrangements for Kiambaa MP Paul Koinange.

While conveying the news of the MP's death to legislators, National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, through a statement, said the committee would be led by the Member for Limuru Constituency Peter Mwathi.

"In line with the Parliamentary Service Commission's bereavement policy, I have constituted a committee to help with the funeral arrangements, " said Mr Muturi.

Koinange succumbed to Covid-19-related complications on Wednesday while undergoing treatment at the Nairobi Hospital.

The Senate is also expected to nominate two members to be part of the committee.

Muturi mourned Koinange as a steadfast legislator who championed peace and unity. Koinange headed the powerful National Assembly Departmental Committee on Administration and National Security.

Muturi said during his leadership Koinange introduced many Bills to the House, which were meant to foster security countrywide.

Pieces of legislation he sponsored include the Kenya Coast Guard Service Act, 2018 and The Narcotics, Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Amendment) Bill, 2020, which is in the Second Reading stage.

He said Koinange's efforts were also felt beyond the Kenyan borders.

“Koinange was involved in the peace negotiations that led to the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in the Republic of South Sudan,” said Muturi.

Before his stint at the Security committee, Koinange, who was termed by colleagues in Parliament as humble and soft-spoken, had been serving in the health committee.

He will be remembered for introducing a raft of measures that changed access to healthcare. One of his achievements was to improve the right to emergency medical attention.