[Former Finance Minister David Mwiraria in a past event. Opposition leader Raila Odinga has joined other Kenyans in morning him. Photo/the-star]

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ODM Party leader Raila Odinga has mourned the late ex-finance Cabinet Minister David Mwiraria.

In a statement on Thursday, the former Prime Minister described Mwiraria as "a honest and hard-working Kenyan" who served the country diligently.

He further observed Mwiraria's pivotal role that he played during the formation of the National Rainbow Coalition (Narc) in 2002.

"I will remember fondly the work we did together of reforming critical institutions like the Kenya Revenue Authority, public procurement and infrastructure financing and delivery when the National Rainbow Coalition took power in 2002," he said.

"It is Mwiraria’s diligence and commitment that made all the difference with regard to delivering Narc's promises on key sectors of the economy," he added.

Mwiraria served in the Kibaki administration as Finance Minister until December 2007.

He died on Thursday at Karen Hospital after a long battle with cancer.

He died aged 79.