Leaders mourn senator, console kin

Government and Opposition leaders, lawyers and Kenyans from all walks of life mourned Senator Mutula Kilonzo.

President Uhuru Kenyatta said he was saddened by the untimely death of Senator Kilonzo and condoled with his family.

“He was one of the country’s most brilliant minds, a principled politician and a renowned lawyer,” Mr Kenyatta remarked.

“It was on the strength of his charismatic leadership that I nominated him to Parliament in 2003. Subsequently he was elected the MP for Mbooni and, at the time of his death, as Senator for Makueni,” President Kenyatta said.

Deputy President William Ruto said the country had lost a dedicated leader whose services were exemplary.

Former President Mwai Kibaki said the country had lost an outstanding leader, resilient politician and a shrewd lawyer.

He pointed out that as a testimony of his commitment to the national good, Mr Kilonzo played a pivotal role in the realisation of the new Constitution when he served as minister for Justice.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga led his Cord coalition in paying tribute to the senator.

“I am greatly saddened by the news of Hon Mutula Kilonzo’s demise. I wish to pass my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, the people of Makueni and to Kenyans at large,” Mr Odinga said.

Former Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka said it was sad the senior counsel had to die at a time when the country needed his expertise as devolution takes root.

Mr Kilonzo was, until his death, the secretary-general of the Wiper party which is led by Mr Musyoka.

The leaders spoke out as thousands of Kenyans posted condolence messages on social networking sites Tweeter and Facebook.

Speakers of the two Houses also expressed shock at the sudden death of Senator Kilonzo whom they described as an astute leader and lawyer.

Senate Speaker Ekwee Ethuro, his National Assembly counterpart Justin Muturi and Senate Deputy Speaker Kembi Gitura said in a joint statement that the two Houses, and the Senate in particular, had looked forward to benefit from his immense  talent.

“We have just learnt of the sad news of the passing on of our senate colleague, a senior citizen and respectable leader of immense talent and, on behalf of the Senate and National Assembly, we send our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, his constituents and all Kenyans for the great loss,” the three said in a statement read by Mr Ethuro at the Mombasa Continental Resort.

Acting Minority Leader in Parliament and Kitui West MP Francis Nyenze, who accompanied Mr Musyoka to Mutula’s home, said Wiper had lost a courageous leader who “easily said it as it is”.

Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua, in whose county Mutula died, expressed shock at the news of the death.

“I am lost for words, I am shocked. It should not have happened. I was with him last weekend at the burial of Justice Philip Waki’s wife and shared great ideas for this region and the country,” he said.

Amani coalition leader Musalia Mudavadi said the country would greatly miss Mutula whom he said played a major role in mentoring young lawyers.

His Eagle counterpart Peter Kenneth said Mr Kilonzo did not discriminate against individuals irrespective of their standing in the society.

Makueni Governor Prof Kivutha Kibwana said the inquiry into the cause of death should be expedited.

Senate Majority Leader Kithure Kindiki, in his condolences to the family, recalled how surprised he was to see his Makueni counterpart cut a solitary and almost sorrowful demeanour in the House last week.

“It was so unlike Hon Mutula to cut such a figure. He walked into the Chamber, then walked out without talking to anyone. He looked almost sorrowful,” said Prof Kindiki.

LSK Chairman Eric Mutua called for thorough investigations into Mr Kilonzo’s sudden death.

“On behalf of the legal fraternity, I extend my condolences to the family of Senator Mutula Kilonzo, Senior Counsel,” Mr Mutua said.

Head of Public Service Francis Kimemia said that the country had lost one of its best leaders.

Attorney-General Githu Muigai mourned Mr Kilonzo, saying he was a great man.