Hon. Kijana Wamalwa Tribute: A courageous, exemplary and consensus-building leader, with a big heart.

8th Vice-President of Kenya Michael Christopher Kijana Wamalwa. Kenya Kijana Wamalwa. President Kibaki Luhya community
The Late Kijana Wamalwa [Courtesy]

Today marks seven years since the passing on of the 8th Vice-President of Kenya, Michael Christopher Kijana Wamalwa.

During his time, he was an astute and affable politician whose eloquence mesmerised many, but since his demise little has been done to cherish his memory. The Government should rename the recently elevated Kibabii Diploma Teachers College into the Wamalwa Kijana University as a sign of gratitude and recognition.

Leaders from Western Province and fellow Kenyans must unite and build a monument in honour of the departed VP where Kenyans can go to glean more information on the man. His anniversary dawns at a time when the country is ushering in a new constitutional dispensation, a dream he yearned to achieve with others in the then National Rainbow Coalition bandwagon. As a man with sterling academic credentials, it is shocking that there are no books on his life history.

Leaders who stood shoulder to shoulder with this great son of the nation should collaborate and write a biography on him. I am optimistic that Luhya politicians will unite and work as a bloc towards achieving the dreams Wamalwa had for the community and the nation.

It is my great honour and privilege to eulogise the leadership of the late Michael Wamalwa Kijana, omusime omurobole wefwe. Mike, elected by Saboti constituency with a vision for the whole of Kenya, set sail with unswerving confidence on a course for change with remarkable leadership skill, tireless energy and a clear understanding of steps required to fulfill his mission.

Let us strive to build on his example of courageous, exemplary and consensus-building leadership, reconciliation, tolerance and big-heartedness. Because of the foundation he laid for us, we have great confidence in the future of the Luhya community, and the nation as a whole.

 As the promulgation of the new Constitution comes on the heels of the seventh anniversary since Mike’s death, we proudly and fondly remember his contribution and gallant fight for multiparty democracy, the rule of law, a new constitutional order, his firm belief in good governance and strong governance institutions. Mike was a man of integrity, industrious, with exceptional oratory skills and a peace maker with the ability to forge compromises around thorny issues.

Though he fell on the ‘final stretch’, Mike was here, fought a good fight and ran a great race, from whence cometh another. Politicians should draw a lesson or two from the late Kijana Wamalwa. He was an enigma who lived life to the fullest, yet he never slowed down in his pursuit and fight for democracy.

While many leaders were busy amassing wealth through dubious means, Wamalwa remained steadfast in championing for the rights of Kenyans. His democratic ideals should be emulated because it is unlikely that President Kibaki would have ascended to power in 2002 had Wamalwa selfishly declined to form an alliance. Kenya badly needs politicians like Mike who gladly put country before self.