Silas Jakakimba, a long time aide of former Prime Minister and CORD Leader Raila Odinga has effusively mourned the passing of Senator Otieno Kajwang’ who was until his untimely death the area senatorof Homa Bay county.
Mr Jakakimba eulogised Kajwang’ saying his demise has ‘scared’ so many people.
Senator Gerald, Advocate, Fmr Mbita MP, Fmr Cabinet Minister;
Yesterday I passed my condolences as all other Kenyans did. I’ve never been imagined of in the corridors poetry. Neither heard of in the world linguistics. But in the dessert of my lingua, tonight I choose to pay a short tribute to you, that I deem so special at the bottom of, and very heart of, my Heart.
As your remains lie in state in the cold room, your spirit knows so well that behind, you leave an utterly devastated lot. A broken people. Unending tears. Our mothers, Senator; Our brothers; Our uncles, Wuod Waondo; your constituents, Senior Counsel; Your admirers.
All across the widths and breadths of Reforms, Good Governance and Democracy parlance, those who truly appreciated your place, your role; the purity and commitment of your never-say-die spirit towards realizing a Freer, Prosperous, Inclusive Nation of equality for all, – brokenness abound.
Okil, we have witnessed ‘sudden deaths’ before. Of our loved ones; in other instances, some national leaders who went ahead of you. Lakini, yours is not sinking yet. From Mbita, to larger Homa-Bay County, out to all the corners of Kenya, The Nation is in disbelief. No longer apiece. We need slow and structured nurturing, to accept you are no more.
See, even your confidant, your colleague; your comrade; I mean your compatriot in the tedious struggle to see Kenya bridged into a country where ALL citizens can live descent, honourable and dignified lives – our mutual friend Raila Odinga, is in denial.
Jakom, like the rest of the team, like your Family, like your County-women and men, like all of us, was not prepared for your quick departure.
We all thought, and this is what we know, that you are here to stay. At least for the next several years because we forever believe, that The Change Movement where you were a key pillar and played central and strategic roles, still remains the carrier of aspirations of majority of Kenyans.
Like your Loved Ones, Homa-Bay and Mbita folks, the Orange Family is shaken right from and at the Centre.
Some of us are thousand of miles away – only glued to our laptop screens, like I am now, those occasional tears smearing on eye glasses. Watching Kenya’s most intelligent quotes – full of firm,hard-hitting messaging on better governance, yet delivered with colour, humour, warmth and laughter.
Your God-given talent in passing even strong messages with comic reliefs, endeared you to all Kenyans and leaders from all political divides. This answers the fact that in your passing on, the Unifying Spirit of The Nation has been witnessed since 11.34pm on 18th Nov. 2014.
Fact is, Wuod Mbita, your loss has scared us. It aches beyond what words of condolences could carry. For a moment, it has sent us all into a confusion mode. It has taught us, to live life to the fullest like you did, for we know neither the time nor the hour. It has scared us to live cautiously. And be at peace, with all.
Assuredly, behind, the spirit that informed your drive and unwavering commitment to realising a just society in Kenya, untoweringly lives on.
We pray for your Loved Ones, especially your immediate family, and your dad Mwalimu Ajwang’ Nyakwamba, that The good Lord will see them all through this, graciously.
Dhi kod kwe, Wuod Dala.