Leaders mourn Otieno Kajwang’

Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang’, who collapsed and died on Tuesday night, had a full day of official activities and relaxed in the evening at the bar in Parliament.

Mr Kajwang’ was taken to The Mater Hospital in Nairobi at about 8.30pm, after complaining of chest pains.

The 58-year-old senator had been involved in a road accident in Oyugis last Friday.

He is believed to have suffered a heart attack. He lived in Runda, Nairobi.

Cord leader Raila Odinga said Mr Kajwang’ fell ill at home and decided to seek treatment.

“On arrival at the hospital, he got out of the vehicle and walked by himself to the casualty where he collapsed and attempts to resuscitate him did not bear fruit and was pronounced dead at 11pm,” Mr Odinga said at the Lee Funeral Home.

President Kenyatta was among the first leaders to mourn Mr Kajwang’. He said he will remember the senator as an eloquent debater, a patriot and a nationalist.

“Senator Kajwang’s death is not only a big blow to his family, but also to the people of Homa Bay County and the whole country, which he served with commitment and dedication first as a member of Parliament, a minister and a senator,” the Head of State said in a statement.

A STRONG PILLAR

Mr Odinga, who was accompanied by Wiper Democratic Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Senate Minority Leader Moses Wetang’ula, said Mr Kajwang’s death was “a terrible loss to ODM and Cord fraternity”.

“He was a strong pillar. He was the chairman of ODM in Homa Bay and a member of the governing council and a top legal adviser in the party,” he said.

Mr Kajwang’ will also be remembered for his political anthem, Bado Mapambano, which he sung with gusto at ODM and Cord rallies.

MPs who met him at the National Assembly bar in the evening, told the Nation that he had been “in his element” and talked about ODM politics.

He also was involved in friendly banter.

Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi was among those who spoke to him that evening.

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

Earlier in the day, Mr Kajwang’ had accompanied a senate committee on transport to assess the progress in the construction of the Southern bypass at Kikuyu Town, Kiambu County.

The one-and-a-half hour function was held in the open as the senators met road contractors, residents and KeNHA officials to discuss the construction of the road and why an entry into Kikuyu Town was necessary.

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

To which the crowd roared back: “Noooo”.

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

The question was answered with a loud “Yes”.

In his signature style, Mr Kajwang’ said: “Tutapambana na hii shida iko hapa (we shall confront the road problem here).”

Then, switching to English, he said: “This is a small problem and we will get a solution for it quickly.”

It turned out to be his last public function.

On Wednesday, Mr Wamatangi said that when the senators were giving their speeches, he started by introducing Ms Judith Sijeny, the committee vice-chairperson, then Mr Chris Obure because he could not find Mr Kajwang’.

Mr Wamatangi said he later learnt that Mr Kajwang’ had taken a few minutes to rest in his car.

“After I learnt of the senator’s death, I thought how we spent the day together, and except for him resting in his car, I also remembered his lips were unusually dry,” he said.

FIGHT FOR A BETTER KENYA

Other senators stood in the sun for more than an hour.

At the Lee Funeral Home, Mr Musyoka said the death would not dampen the spirit to fight for a better Kenya.

“The struggle continues and his death will not stop us from continuing with the struggle for a good nation that is united,” he said.

Mr Wetang’ula said he had known Mr Kajwang’ since their days at the University of Nairobi when he was the secretary-general of Sonu, the students' union.

“He was the most dependable senator in the Cord fraternity as his commitment and production was very high. He spoke with clarity and patriotism in the Senate,” Mr Wetang’ula said.

“His passing is a blow as we have lost a leader of purpose, courage and direction.”

Senate Majority Leader Kindiki Kithure, who was also at the Lee Funeral Home, said he had spent some time with Mr Kajwang’ in the Senate office late on Tuesday evening.

Deputy President William Ruto said the senator distinguished himself as one of Kenya’s brilliant lawyers and a man of principle who loved his country.

Retired President Mwai Kibaki said Mr Kajwang’, be it in Cabinet or public rallies, expressed his views with notable flair and exuberance.

“Indeed, one did not need to necessarily agree with him every time but few, if any, would fail to notice, let alone ignore, his trademark charm and charisma,” he said.

Amani Coalition leader Musalia Mudavadi said Mr Kajwang’ was not only an entertainer on the political stage, but had a great gift of simplifying complex matters with his hard biting humour.

“He caricatured serious issues with colour in a manner that left many in stitches not knowing they were actually laughing at themselves,” he said.