Legendary benga musician Joseph Kamaru had a way with politicians in the country.
Among prominent leaders that the veteran musician was close to, is opposition leader Raila Odinga.
During Kamaru's burial on Thursday, Raila said they have been friends with the deceased for many years, tracing their relationship from a Nairobi street.
"I came to know Kamaru a very long time ago when he owned a studio in Luthuli Avenue and we used to meet at a place we referred to as a hole in the wall," he narrated.
Raila further disclosed that he received an unexpected gift from his friend when he was spearheading efforts to conserve the Mau forest during his tenure as the Prime Minister in the Grand Coalition government.
"When I embarked on a mission to conserve Mau, Kamaru unexpectedly came to my office and he brought me a pair of gumboots to use whenever I go to the forest. He did not stop at that as he, alongside (the late) Wangari Maathai, could join me whenever I went to Mau," he said.
The ODM leader said the musician's sacrifice of leaving his home in Murang'a and embarking on a journey up to the country's biggest water catchment showed his love for the nation and he termed him a 'true Kenyan legend'.
Raila spoke at Muthithi Secondary School, Kigumo, Murang'a County during the burial of the veteran musician that was also attended by President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto.