From Kiambu to the bar — tracing Otieno Kajwang’s last hours

Gerald Otieno Kajwang’ spent his last hours in Parliament contributing to debate in the Senate and later relaxed over drinks at the bar as he laughed and talked politics with his colleagues.

MPs who interacted with Mr Kajwang’ at the bar on Tuesday evening told the Nation he was “in his element” and talked about ODM politics but also was involved the kind of friendly banter he was known for.

Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi was among those who spoke to him about ODM’s issues.

“We were reviewing the outcome of the ODM regional meeting in Oyugis last Friday and he was happy about the outcome of the talks,” said Mr Wandayi.

He said they also discussed the retreat planned for next weekend.

“He was very jovial and in his true element,” said Mr Wandayi, who said he spoke to Mr Kajwang’ at about 7.45pm.

The senator was reported to have been in the company of a man who is yet to be identified and they were having drinks at the bar next to the lobby.

Kiharu MP Irungu Kangata walked into the lobby at about 8pm.

Mr Kangata was accompanied by two women, one of whom was in a mini-skirt.

Mr Kajwang’, who was accompanied by Kuresoi North MP Moses Cheboi, made fun of the MP.

“They started saying I was preaching water and drinking wine because during the debate in the House, my comments were interpreted to mean that I was opposing wearing of miniskirts. You know how that kind of jocular talk goes,” said Mr Kang’ata.

While still at the lobby, Mr Kajwang’ ran into Ndhiwa MP Agostino Neto.

Mr Neto is among the small group of ODM MPs who have been branded rebels and he happened to have missed the meeting in Oyugis last week, which was hosted by Mr Kajwang’.

Mr Neto said he asked Mr Kajwang’ for a brief on what transpired but the senator said it would be better if they held a meeting in Ndhiwa.

“I told him to come to Ndhiwa for a proper meeting but not to come talking of moles because there are no moles in Ndhiwa,” said Mr Neto.

The senator is reported to have spent most of the evening at the bar in Parliament and one of the MPs said he saw him having a cup of tea while others, who saw him later, said he was having a beer.

ASSESS CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

Earlier in the day, he accompanied a Senate committee on Transport to assess the progress in the construction of the southern bypass in Kikuyu Town, Kiambu County. He was greeted with jubilant choruses.

The one and a half hour function was held out in the open along the bypass under the hot sun, where the senators, road contractors, residents and KeNHA officials exchanged their thoughts about the construction of the bypass and why an entry road into Kikuyu Town was necessary.

He stood for over one hour with other senators under the hot sun and with a red helmet on his head, a black suit, red stripped tie and white shirt.

He was also in his usual jovial mood, smiling.

When Senator Wamatangi was introducing Mr Kajwang’ to speak, he asked the crowd: “Do I need to introduce this next senator?” And the crowd roared back. “Noooo”.

As Kajwang’ stepped closer to the microphones, Mr Wamatangi added, “Si mnajua mtu wa mapambano?”

And the question was followed with a loud Yeees, even as Mr Kajwang’ started to speak.

In his signature style, he said: “Tutapambana na hii shida iko hapa.”

Then, he immediately switched to English language, “This is a small problem and we will get a solution for it quickly.”

In the afternoon, Mr Kajwang’ returned to the Senate and contributed to the National Police Service (Amendment) Bill sponsored by West Pokot Senator John Lonyangapuo.

Busia Senator Amos Wako said in an interview that Mr Kajwang’ had complained of mild breathing problems on Thursday last week and had indicated he planned to see a doctor over it.

“We were chatting with him last Thursday when I complained I was feeling a bit unwell and he told me he was also feeling breathless and needed to see a doctor,” said Mr Wako. The following day the senator was in Oyugis where he hosted ODM leader Raila Odinga.

Additional reporting by Isaac Ongiri and Anne Macharia