President Uhuru Kenyatta Wednesday paid glowing tribute to the late Dr Stephen Kimemia Njiru, describing him as a loyal and honest patriot whose immense contribution shaped Kenya’s political landscape in the last ten years.
He said the late Njiru a lawyer by profession never sought any personal gain in his service to the country but rather derived satisfaction by selflessly serving others with humility.
The late Stephen Njiru played a crucial role in the making of the 2010 Constitution.
“I wish we had many people with those kind of attributes, because if we did the country would emerge stronger,” said the President.
President Kenyatta was speaking in Kerugoya, Kirinyaga County during a funeral service of the late Stephen Njiru.
The President said Njiru was a true Kenyan and served his country with passion without seeking self-glorification.
“He never sought any fame or to be recognized. In tricky political negotiations, Njiru would be called upon to give the way forward,” said the Head of State.
President Kenyatta noted that Njiru has been cited as one of the key player behind the new constitutional order given his role in the implementation of the National Accord and Reconciliation Act (2008).
“In almost every important decision affecting Kenya for the last ten years or so, Njiru has been part of it,” said President Kenyatta.
The President urged Kenyans to emulate the late Dr Stephen Njiru, saying it is in serving the country selflessly and with humility that Kenya can achieve both social and economic progress.
“That humility in him is what made him a great man. He is one of the few people, who in a small way, do so much to make the country what it is,” said the President.
Leaders led by Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi, Governor Joseph Ndathi and Professor Peter Kagwaja described the late Dr Stephen Njiru as a person who contributed to Kenya’s ‘soft revolution’.
“He did a lot of things for the country. At a time when it was not conducive, he hosted both the opposition and those in Government while living in London,” said Professor Kagwanja.
Senator Kiraitu said the late Dr Stephen Njiru was a great person who was committed to the progress of others more than his own.
“He avoided all forms of publicity and celebrity,” adding that the late Dr Njiru was a very humble, kind and generous person.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter said the country has lost a great man who was friendly to people of various walks of life.
Bishop Joseph Kibucwa of ACK Diocese Kirinyaga who conducted the service and also gave the sermon, said the late Dr Njiru was a brilliant person who has left an enduring legacy.
The late Dr Njiru was laid to rest at his father’s home, the late prominent politician and former Cabinet Minister James Njiru, in Kerugoya.
The funeral service was also attended by several senior government officials including Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Ambassador Dr Monica Juma and other political leaders including Martha Karua.
_PSCU