Ojode was a "friend to all"

From left: President Kibaki, Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Speaker of the National Assembly Kenneth Marende during a requiem mass for the late assistant minister for Internal Security Orwa Ojode June 14, 2012 at the SDA Central Church, Nairobi. SALATON NJAU

The late Internal Security assistant minister Orwa Ojode was a friend to all.

This was the message that came out during his requiem mass in Nairobi attended by President Kibaki, Prime Minister Raila Odinga, senior government officials, MPs and ordinary Kenyans.

President Kibaki told the congregation at the Nairobi Central Seventh Day Adventist Church that the late Ojode made friends on both sides of the Coalition Government, ODM and PNU.

“His brand of politics was moderate, making friends across political divide,” said President Kibaki.

The President said the late Ojode was a “highly regarded leader” who through “great sacrifice and effort” promoted peace in the country.

"This is sad day for Kenya. We have lost a leader, a patriot, selfless individual and a servant of the people," said President Kibaki.

"His death is a tremendous loss to his family, friends, the people of Ndhiwa and Kenyans."

Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka echoed the President's sentiments.

Mr Odinga said the late Ojode did not take sides in the politics of ODM and PNU.

"He was the bond that held both sides of the coalition and never played partisan politics," said the PM.

He described the late minister as a "passionate, very committed government official".

"He was dedicated to duty," Mr Odinga mourned.

Mr Musyoka said the late Ojode's politics went "beyond party affiliation".