President Uhuru Kenyatta addressing mourners. [Photo/PSCU]
President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday attended the funeral of Mwalimu George Munyaka Kavulu, the father of Machakos MP Victor Munyaka and eulogized him as a gifted leader, mentor and a role model to many.
He said Mzee Munyaka, lived a life of single-minded service to his family, the community and the nation.
“The traits of Mzee Munyaka’s can clearly be seen in the life of his son Victor,” said President Kenyatta.
The President, who was accompanied by Deputy President William Ruto, spoke on Monday in Machakos during Mzee Munyaka’s burial.
President Kenyatta commended the Machakos Town for standing strong for the values he believes in, saying hard work and development are key to his success.
“It is not easy for a politician to go against the grain, but despite the negative wind of politics you stood firm because of your principles of development and hard work,” said the President.
The President challenged opposition members of parliament to attend parliamentary sessions and debate bills which will help improve the lives of Kenyans who elected them instead of leading unnecessary demonstrations.
“You were elected by wananchi to represent them in the August House by enacting laws aimed at improving their lives. Please go and tell your leaders to stop misguiding our youth with unnecessary demonstrations, let them allow you to join your colleagues in parliament where you can discuss and debate to enact good laws. Don’t be afraid of the majority, use your skills and persuade them to work together for the good of this country,” said the President.
Deputy President Ruto said Jubilee has taken upon itself into filling the gaps as concerns the electoral laws to ensure that no election will in future be nullified because of process.
“Chief Justice Maraga told us if we still hold elections with the same electoral law gaps he will nullify the elections,” said the Deputy President.
He said it would be foolhardy to fail to enact laws that would ensure Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission official are held accountable for their actions.
“If a person steals chicken is taken to court, why not then prosecute an official who subverts the will of the people by tampering with their votes,” the DP asked.
“The constitution recognizes that the President who is elected by majority of Kenyans can face human challenges hence the clause that in case he is incapacitated then his Deputy takes over and if his deputy is also unable then the Speaker of the National Assembly will take the responsibility. Then why shouldn’t we enact laws which can allow the vice chairperson of IEBC to take over incase anything happens to the Chairman,” Deputy President William asked
Eulogizing Mzee Munyaka, the Deputy President said his virtues of hard work are displayed by various community development projects he implemented in Machakos and in places where he served as a teacher.
He urged Machakos residents to reciprocate the many developments initiated under Jubilee Administration by turning out in large numbers on 26th of this month to vote for President Kenyatta in the fresh presidential election.
Machakos Town Mp thanked the President and his Deputy for gracing the occasion saying it is a sign of true friendship to the family and Machakos residents.
He said the residents of Machakos town are people who are keen on development and would not waste their precious time in activities, which add no value to their lives.
“ NASA had announced demonstrations, but as you can see Machakos town is clean with people going about their normal activities,” said the MP.
He expressed gratitude to the people of Machakos town for re-electing him for the third time to represent them in the National Assembly.
“Machakos residents are known for not electing an Mp twice but this time they have really demonstrated their magnanimity for not only giving me opportunity to serve them twice but thrice and this time under the Jubilee party,” said Mr. Munyaka.
He assured the President and his Deputy that he will with other leaders mobilise all Machakos votes to be cast in favour of Jubilee in the fresh Presidential election to be held on 26th of this month.
Others who spoke included Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko and Machakos deputy Governor Francis Maliti who urged mourners to emulate the late Mzee Munyaka in dedicating themselves to nation building.