Glowing tributes at Kamotho burial

Nyeri Catholic Archbishop Peter Kairo blesses the casket containing the remains of former Cabinet minister Joseph Kamotho during his burial ceremony at Njumbi School in Murang'a on December 17, 2014. PHOTO | JOSEPH KANYI

What you need to know:

  • President Kenyatta said: “We have lost a leader who gave himself selflessly to serve the country.”
  • Mr Kamotho became the fifth secretary-general of Kanu — the governing party since independence — in 1989 after the death of Mr Moses Mudamba Mudavadi. He served as Cabinet minister and as a Member of Parliament.
  • He served the party for 14 years — a term only second to Mr Robert Matano’s 16 years (1969 to August 1, 1985).

Politics took a back seat as leaders and mourners paid glowing tribute to former Cabinet minister and Kanu secretary-general Joseph Kamotho.

The politician was laid to rest Wednesday.

President Kenyatta and his deputy, Mr William Ruto, praised Mr Kamotho’s diligence and political acumen.

Former President Mwai Kibaki eulogised Mr Kamotho, saying, he left an indelible mark in the history of Kenya.

His statement was delivered by Murang’a Senator Kembi Gitura, while that of retired President Daniel arap Moi was read by his son, Gideon, who is the Baringo Senator.

The latter described Mr Kamotho as an “indefatigable public servant who steered Kanu through a turbulent time during the clamour for multi-party”.

President Kenyatta said: “We have lost a leader who gave himself selflessly to serve the country.”

NO SCANDAL

“Despite having held senior positions in the government, nobody could associate him with any scandal. He knew the importance of national unity and at no time did he play tribal politics,” he said, adding, Mr Kamotho “was a principled man who did not waver even in tough times.”

Mr Kenyatta extended an olive branch to all politicians and asked them to unite and work with the government for development.

“Politics of antagonism will take us nowhere. We can learn from Mr Kamotho and come together irrespective of our differences to move the country forward.”

Similar sentiments were expressed by Mr Ruto who described Mr Kamotho as a man who rose above petty politics for the sake of the country.

Mr Kamotho became the fifth secretary-general of Kanu — the governing party since independence — in 1989 after the death of Mr Moses Mudamba Mudavadi. He served as Cabinet minister and as a Member of Parliament.

He served the party for 14 years — a term only second to Mr Robert Matano’s 16 years (1969 to August 1, 1985).
A RICH LEGACY

Mr Kamotho was a hawkish, no-holds-barred Kanu spokesman, who did not mince his words while defending the party. His controversial statements earned him friends and foes in equal measure.

Mr Ruto said the former Higher Education Minister was among the brains behind the Higher Education Loans Board (Helb). He added: “I also held the position of Kanu secretary-general, but I did not do as well as he did. He leaves behind a rich legacy.”

Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria said Mr Kamotho had dedicated his last years to community service, helping destitute children.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga attended the ceremony, but left shortly after signing the condolence book.