President Uhuru Kenyatta has eulogized the iconic Maa leader, whom he said was his political mentor, as a “peace-loving and servant leader”
By Jonathan Teikan
There is a general feeling that today’s burial ceremony of the former Olkejuado County Council chairman Daniel ole Muyaa has been conducted with utmost decorum.
This was unlike past few incidences, where politicians turned such occasions into a political arena, to the chagrin of the bereaved and to the bewilderment of the mourners.
The event attended by among others; President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko and Central Organization of Trade Union (Cotu) secretary-general Francis Atwoli, has by large impressed many.
A select few of the political leaders, who had the opportunity to pay tribute to the vocal leader, conspicuously steered clear of politics, and eulogized the deceased as having made remarkable contribution to the socio-political development in the Maa community at large.
Former gubernatorial aspirant Tarayia ole Kores set the tempo with gracious acknowledgement of all the present leaders and their specific contributions to the family throughout their hour of need.
He praised his former colleague as a father figure, and mentor.
He urged the political leaders to support the family, by way of providing them with job opportunities, arguably, to preserve the dignity of the legendary leader.
Kajiado East MP Peris Tobiko, who introduced the distinguished guests, also took the opportunity to convey the community’s vote of thanks to the president, for his “landmark” projects in the county; and for his consistent inclusion of the community in his Cabinet.
“There is no single time in your two presidential terms, that we have not had a Cabinet Secretary from Kajiado County; we had Joseph ole Lenku (Interior), Major General (rtd) Joseph Nkaissery (Interior) and now Environment CS Keriako Tobiko,” said Tobiko.
She cited the Ngong – Kiserian – Isinya – Kajiado – Mashuru – Isara road, as one such landmark project by the Jubilee government.
She also implored the president, to authorize the construction of Isinya-Konza road.
When the president took to address the mourners, he assented to the request, noting that, “We will try to see that it gets done, because that is our responsibility.”
Atwoli lauded Ole Muyaa for his contribution in laying foundation for the success of the today’s devolved units, and also for promoting national cohesion — to the extent of employing people from diverse ethnic backgrounds to work his farm.
Governor Joseph ole Lenku on his part, celebrated the iconic leader for his immense contribution to the welfare of the country at large.
He attributed the leader’s “exceptional” leadership, to the equally “exemplary” one exuded by his proteges, during their stints; former Governor Dr David Nkedianye, and former Olkejuado County Council chairman Julius ole Ntayia.
He lauded the legislative wing of the county government, led by Speaker Johnson Osoi, for their continued support and “harmonious” co-relation with the Executive.
Lenku also reported that due to the prolonged drought season, his administration opted to postpone the anticipated second phase of the medical insurance scheme initiative dubbed “Mbuzi Moja, Afya Bora”, arguably, to give residents more time to prepare.
The president also on his part eulogized Muyaa, whom he said was his political mentor as a “peace-loving and servant leader”.
He narrated the role Muyaa played, through a directive of the retired former president Daniel arap Moi, that saw President Kenyatta first appointed a branch chairman (Thika District) of the then ruling party Kenya African National Union (Kanu).
