President Uhuru Kenyatta Saturday joined other mourners in paying tribute to Mrs Hannah Wanjiru Matong’e, the mother of Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua.
President Kenyatta described Wanjiru as a hard-working person who loved her country and valued education.
She was 93 and was laid to rest in Tetu, Nyeri County.
The President noted that although Wanjiru had no formal education, she ensured that her children were educated.
“I might not have known her personally, but I know her son whom I have worked with for many years. And I have witnessed all the tributes that have been showered on Mama Wanjiru by various speakers,” he said.
The Head of State said Mr Kinyua is honest, diligent and a person who “truly loves his country”. He went on to say his Chief of Staff abhors corruption and other ills and he is an “excellent public servant”.
He urged Kenyans to emulate Wanjiru by embracing the virtues that she held dearly which include unity, patriotism and self-sacrifice.
“This country will achieve the level of development that will make all Kenyans proud if we all uphold the virtues espoused by people like Mama Wanjiru,” President Kenyatta said.
Responding to Tetu MP Ndung’u Gethenji, President Kenyatta said implementing development in all parts of the country is a core function of his administration. He assured Tetu residents that he would be back to discuss their development needs at a later date.
Former President Mwai Kibaki’s tribute to Mama Wanjiru was read by his Private Secretary Prof Nick Wanjohi.
Conveying his condolences to the bereaved family, National Assembly Majority leader Aden Duale appealed to leaders to desist from making utterances that can “burn the country” and divide Kenyans. Mr Duale emphasised that the Jubilee Coalition will always stand for unity.
He said hate mongers should be treated with the contempt they deserve instead of being glorified.
Other speakers included Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagwa and MPs Esther Murugi (Nyeri Town), Mary Wambui (Othaya), Kanini Kega (Kieni) and Peter Weru (Mathira).
The burial was preceded by a funeral service at Wamagana grounds in Nyeri County and conducted by Archbishop John Mugecha of the Africa Independence Pentecostal Church (AIPCA).