It now emerges that the Wiper Democratic Movement (WDM) leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s departed father Peter Mairu was a staunch supporter of his (Kalonzo) political moves.
And as the family and the nation lays Mairu to rest today (Friday), Ukambani leaders have continued to eulogise him as a visionary man whose wisdom was unmatched.
According to Kitui Business Community and Professional Forum Coordinator Campbell Munyambu, Mairu’s biggest wish was to see his son Kalonzo become the nation's fifth president, a revelation he made to him (Munyambu) during their meeting in August last year.
He termed Mairu as a humble man who never bothered to show off despite his son being among the nation’s leading politicians and a former Vice President.
“I had a close relationship with the late Mzee Mairu, Kalonzo and the entire family since we were young. Mzee was a special man who lived a simple and down-to-earth life. He was a friend to many,’’ he was quoted by the Friday Standard.
Mairu who died last week aged 94 will be laid to rest in Kitui county.
Kalonzo was the last Vice President under the new constitution when he served under President Mwai Kibaki during the Grand Coalition government.
Though he has repeatedly declared his ambition for the top post, the Ukambani kingpin has shelved his aspirations in favour of opposition leader Raila Odinga in the last two consecutive general polls.
He was Raila’s running-mate in both the 2013 and 2017 polls, losing to the President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto both times.
Kalonzo is anticipated to take the front seat as the nation approaches the 2022 general election.