President Uhuru Kenyatta Wednesday paid glowing tribute to VIP protection officers killed in a road accident near Naivasha at a remembrance service held the grounds of State House, Nairobi.
First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto, National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale were joined by Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, rank and file of the security services, as well as nearly 1,000 other family, relatives and staff at the service.
President Kenyatta, his voice cracking with emotion, spoke of the deep sense of loss the State House family felt at the loss of 11 of its members 10 men and one woman.
He held back tears as he encouraged the families, telling them that he and the government would stand by them.
The interdenominational service was led by Father Dominic Wamugunda of the University of Nairobi.
The President similarly extended his condolences to all other Kenyans who lost their loved ones
He conveyed his personal condolences and those of his family to saying he greatly values the services rendered to his government by all staff who serve in State Houses and State lodges.
“I want all of you to know, security officers and staff of other departments who serve at State Houses and State lodges that I value your services,” said the President.
“I will stand by and with you. My government will stand with you,” he said.
Before the service, the President met privately with close family of the officers, to grieve with them, to support them, and to reassure them of his personal support.
President Kenyatta urged Kenyans to emulate the departed officers and security officers including all public officers to unite and chart a common cause for the country.
“This is a family of Kenya, it is a reflection of all corners of the country. This must be the spirit which we need to embrace for us to build a strong and stable Kenya,” said President Kenyatta.
The President encouraged the bereaved families and all Kenyans who lost their loved ones in the fatal accident to continue taking courage in God who would give them fortitude and strength to continue with their lives.
He similarly expressed his deepest sympathies to the National Police Service saying their dedication and commitment to serving the country is highly appreciated.
“It is opportunities like these that bring to the fore the challenges you go through,” the President told the officers.
Deputy President Ruto condoled with the families of the bereaved and expressed his appreciation to the security officers who continuously put their lives on line to ensure security for other Kenyans.
He narrated the commitment, discipline and commitment of the security personnel in serving the nation saying they execute their responsibility and mandate with great zeal.
He also urged Kenyans from all walks of life to learn to stand together as one people and chart the good course of the country.
“Even in their death they remind us of standing together as Kenyans,” said the Deputy President.
Father Dominic Wamugunda is the Dean of Students and a Lecturer of Sociology at the University of Nairobi conducted the service and delivered the sermon.
Quoting from different books and chapters of the Bible, Father Wamughunda said death is part of humanity and that without it human being is incomplete.
He urged Kenyans to learn to do good as it is only the good deeds which remain when one departs from the world.
Other speakers included Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery, Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett and Commandant of General Service Unit Stephen Chelimo.
--PSCU