Uhuru, Kibaki lead politicians in mourning ex-minister Joe Nyagah, Senator Kabaka

Uhuru, Kibaki lead politicians in mourning ex-minister Joe Nyagah, Senator Kabaka

President Uhuru Kenyatta and his predecessor Mwai Kibaki have led political leaders in mourning the late former Cabinet Minister Joe Nyagah and Machakos Senator Boniface Kabaka, both of who passed on Friday.

President Kenyatta, in his message of comfort and encouragement to the family, eulogised Senator Kabaka as a resilient and devoted leader who worked tirelessly for the wellbeing of the people of Kenya.

“It is unfortunate that the painful hand of death has robbed our country of a committed legislator, gifted debater and progressive leader who used his skills as a lawyer to enrich legislative processes in Senate.

“Senator Kabaka was an approachable leader who took keen interest in transforming the lives of the people of Machakos County and Kenyans at large. His death therefore is a big blow to our country as a whole,” the President eulogised.

Kibaki, in his condolence message, expressed sadness at learning of the news saying he has known Nyagah’s larger family for years.

“As my Assistant Minister for East African Community, Joe’s mastery at diplomacy and leadership was not only evident – rather, it was an unmistakable asset in the newly created ministry. At some point Joe became the national coordinator of the Northern Corridor Integration Project in the same ministry, a role he played with notable ardor,” he noted.

“As my Minister for Cooperatives, Joe distinguished himself as a champion of the interests of wananchi by nurturing Kenya’s Sacco movement and propelling it several notches higher. During his tenure at the Ministry, Kenya’s Sacco movement grew into one of the largest in the continent peaking at 10.1 million subscribers in 2010.”

He further added: “Besides his Cabinet posting, Joe served as the chair of the Inter-ministerial Committee of African Co-operative Ministers. Prior to joining my Cabinet Joe had long demonstrated his aptitude as a consummate diplomat, a proficient captain of the corporate sector, a suave political mobilizer and community leader.”

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga mourned Nyagah as a critical player in Kenya’s affairs who wore many hats in various fields such as corporate world, government, diplomacy as well as national politics.

— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) December 11, 2020

Deputy President William Ruto, on his part, mourned the deceased as “a vocal, responsive and development-conscious leader.”

“He was amiable, steadfast and a dedicated campaigner for a better, more cohesive, more inclusive and more transformed Kenya. We will miss his wise counsel and modest personality,” said the DP.

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) December 11, 2020

DP Ruto also eulogised Senator Kabaka as a “fine legal mind and a fighter of equal justice” who was “modest yet a gifted, insightful, progressive and far-sighted.”

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) December 11, 2020

Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, on his part, said: “Both Machakos Sen Boniface Kabaka and former Minister Joe Nyaga served the people of this country with great zeal, passion and promise. Sen Kabaka will be remembered for his astute push for more funds to the counties.I have fond memories serving with Joe In Govt.”

— Kalonzo Musyoka (@skmusyoka) December 11, 2020

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President Uhuru Kenyatta mwai kibaki Joe Nyagah Senator Boniface Kabaka

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