Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s father the late Peter Mairu is today being laid to rest in Tseikuru, Kitui County. President Uhuru Kenyatta, his deputy William Ruto and Opposition leader Raila Odinga are among leaders attending the funeral.
The funeral service at Tseikuru Baraza park brought together leaders from both sides of the political divide in the country.
Mr Kenyatta landed at Tseikuru airstrip at 1pm, followed shortly by Mr Odinga.
National Super Alliance leader Musalia Mudavadi, Senators James Orengo, Mutula Kilonzo, Kipchumba Murkomen, Governors Charity Ngilu, Alfred Mutua, Kivutha Kibwana, Granton Samboja, among leaders are also at the funeral.
Mr Ruto who had arrived earlier, several cabinet secretaries, dozens of MPs & senators were among leaders present.
The late Mairu can be described as Kalonzo’s political mentor. He has been described as Kalonzo’s pillar when he first attempted to go to Parliament as a 29-year-old.
With Kalonzo seemingly having little chance of defeating the late Philip Mutisya Manandu, a populist and accomplished public speaker in the race for Kitui North (now Mwingi North), his father stood by him, and encouraged him to be strong.
He advised his son that he would, in the opportune time, rise to leadership. His main dream and hope was to live and see his son become the country’s head of state.
According to Kitui Business Community and Professional Forum Coordinator, Campell Munyambu, Mr. Mairu told him, when they met last August, that it was his desire that his son becomes Kenya’s fifth president.
Mr. Mairu has been described as a far-sighted citizen with many hailing him for the positive impact he brought to the region he grew up in.
He has been credited for giving constructive criticism without hurting anyone’s feelings.
“The old man would give constructive criticism without hurting anyone’s feelings. To me he was a special person who would even sit with his son’s sworn political critics and engage them in friendly and positive debate. We have lost a man and a leader who had a big vision for his family and the region. We will miss him dearly,” said Mutati.
Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka thanked Kenyans for the tremendous show of solidarity they have extended to his family ever since his father passed away.
Kalonzo’s dad, Peter Musyoka Mairu died at the age of 94 at Nairobi Hospital where he was undergoing treatment. He was 94 years at the time of his death.