John Michuki send to rest with due respect he deserves

John Michuki send to rest with due respect he deserves

By: Timothy Makokha

 Funeral service for the late Kangema MP, john Michuki takes place at the General Kago Stadium. Funeral service was  attended by former president  Moi, president Kibaki, VP Kalonzo , PM Raila Odinga, deputy PMs , speaker of national assembly, cabinet ministers, most of the MP’s, other senior government officials and the general public.

 The funeral Service was led by Bishop Peter Kairu of Murang’a Diocese, the host diocese of the Catholic Church assisted by other senior priests. The presence of other senior church leaders from other denominations was recognized.

The eulogy was read both in vernacular (Gikuyu) and in English. The Gikuyu version was read by Mr. E.K Gathuri and the English version of the same eulogy was read by prof. Paul Kanyari.

The late was born on 31^st Dec 1932 from the 41^st wife of a father who had 43 wives.  Michuki died rich after starting as a tailor and dropping out of school at one point in life.

Bishop peter kairu gave a touching sermon. ‘If you are strong you live for 70 years but we thank god Michuki had bonus of 10 years’ he said. His central theme of the sermon was that we should love our God, neighbors and our country. He also urged politicians to unite Kenyans and avoid hate speech.

Security measures were put in place as more security officers were present. Police officers were in large numbers at his Kangema home and in the stadium.

Rev. Wabukala says the late was a friend of Christians, and added that death brings about change. He therefore likened the late Michuki to a catalyst for positive change to the remaining generation. 

The host Bishop Peter Kairu was given chance to introduce present priests and other members of the clergy present at the funeral.  The bishop quoted one of the saints who said that ‘I do very small things in a very big way’ and brought the quote to context. He first appreciated the presence of all present members of the clergy.  The Eldoret diocese Bishop Cornelius Korir expressed his solidarity to the bereaved family of Michuki.

Deputy pm Uhuru Kenyatta, enjoyed the privilege of welcoming senior government officials. When deputy pm Musalia Mudavadi was given chance to speak, he only made a few remarks and then proceeded to introduce ministers present.

Speaker for our national assembly, Kenneth Marende says Michuki is worth to be emulated, since he was such a loyalist to the government. Former president Moi takes the late minister for a perfectionist, who was dedicated to serve the country at various levels. He said he had worked closer with the late who was more of a personal friend.  ‘Nothing passes without somebody endorsing’, says moi. The retired president added that real solace comes from God.

Prime Minister Hon Raila Odinga, remembers the late Michuki as a governor KCB, where he served the public so well and assisted him personally. The PM added that they have been together in various political parties for example Ford Kenya in the year 1992. His reforms in the matatu sector are to be remembered for a lifetime. The deceased as well performed exemplary in the environment ministry. 

President Kibaki says each family member to work for his family, and his nation. He also appreciated the widow, Josephine Michuki for her support to her late husband.  ‘Each person to have a purpose in life’, says president. We need to learn from the late Michuki, let us love each other as Kenyans and share in sorrow and happiness. This brings me to what one of the speakers said; the height of a tree is measured when it has fallen.