Hundreds attend Gitari funeral
What you need to know:
- Born in 1937, when Dr Gitari preached from the pulpit, he condemned repression and ills such as land grabbing by politicians.
Hundreds of mourners Friday turned out to give the retired Anglican Archbishop Dr David Gitari a final send off.
Dr Gitari, described by political and church leaders as a true and patriotic leader was laid to rest at his Difathas village home in Kirinyaga county.
It was a colourful funeral, marked by procession and songs of praise for archbishop.
Leaders from all corners of the country travelled to the birth county of Dr Gitari to bid him the final goodbye. They spoke well of the man who fought for democracy and good governance.
The funeral started with a long procession of clergy in white and red robes at St Thomas Cathedral in Kerugoya to the nearby Stadium.
It was presided over by Anglican Archbishop Eliud Wabukala. After the funeral service, Dr Gitari’s body was driven off to his home, 20 kilometres from the stadium for burial.
Speaker after speaker described Dr Gitari as a patriot and a fighter. The Rev Wabukala said the Church had lost a great man. “He steered the church to great height of success and we shall surely miss him,” he said.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga said he had visited him in hospital two days before he died.
“He was not only spiritual but he took care of the physical and emotional wellbeing of all,” he said.
County Governor Joseph Ndathi said: “Dr Gitari fought corruption without fear or favour. He was a courageous man and a Kingmaker.”
Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari: “He was a good man whose character was unquestionable.”
Retired Presbyterian priest, the Rev Timothy Njoya: “He was greater than any other leader in this country.” Others who praised Dr Gitari were lawmakers, Njogu Barua (Gichugu), Stephen Ngare (Ndia) and Peter Gitau (Mwea).
County senator Daniel Karaba and former Cooperative Minister Joseph Nyaga were also in attendance.
Born in 1937, when Dr Gitari preached from the pulpit, he condemned repression and ills such as land grabbing by politicians.
He crusaded economic injustices both at local and national level. With boldness, Dr Gitari crusaded against injustice and lack of democracy in governance.
He fiercely spoke against attempts by the Kanu regime to impose the infamous queue voting as opposed to secret ballot on voters. He was against the rigging of the polls.
