State to take over Nzamba Kitonga’s burial arrangements

Former PM Raila Odinga signs a condolence book for the late Nzamba Kitonga at Githanga hills Court in Nairobi. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard]

The Government has taken charge of the burial arrangements for the late Senior Counsel Nzamba Kitonga.

Yesterday, a statement from the Office of the President said government representatives have contacted the family with a view to forming a joint burial committee.

The team that met the family was led by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, Attorney General Kihara Kariuki and Secretary for National Administration Arthur Osiya.

Kitonga’s family was represented by his first born son Ivia Kitonga. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) will also be represented in the committee. Those representing LSK are CEO Mercy Wambua and lawyers Fred Ojiambo and Philip Murgor.

“The late Kitonga is widely recognised as one of the most resourceful members of the Bar. He will be remembered most for his immense contribution to the drafting of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010,” the statement from the president’s office read.

It added that the Government wished to fulfill the family wish that the memory of their father is neither “sullied nor used for political mileage.”

On Friday, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga led members of the political and legal community in condoling with Kitonga’s family.

Raila made his visit to the family a few minutes after jetting from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Former Attorney General Amos Wako recalled working under the Kitonga’s leadership during the drafting of the 2010 Constitution.

Kitonga will be buried on Friday November 7 at the family home in Mutitu, Kitui County. Kitonga passed on last Saturday aged 64.