Late Hannah Mudavadi requiem mass held in Nairobi

By Mourice Seretta

Deputy President William Ruto and several other government officials were among the mourners who thronged Friends International Centre Ngong Road, Nairobi, Thursday, for the requiem mass for the late Mama Hannah Atsuanzaqle Mudavadi, mother to ANC Party Leader Musalia Mudavadi.

Speaker after speaker at the mass eulogized Mama Hanna as a matriarch who stood for family values and ensued that his family was closely knit.

In his speech read by Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, President Uhuru Kenyatta described the late Mama Hannah as a visionary mother and called for leaders in the country to offer Kenyans visionary leadership.

On his part, DP Ruto conveyed his deepest condolences to Mudavadi’s family saying that Musalia stood by him when he lost his father.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka eulogized Mama as a great soul.

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe offered that he now know why Musalia is a nice guy for it is because as an only son he was sorrounded by good, great women in your life.

“A parent is a parent to you individually. When you are looking after a parent give the best,” Kagwe said.

Also present during the mass was President Uhuru Kenyatta’s brother Muhoho Kenyatta who conveyed his condolences saying the Kenyatta family holds Mudavadi’s family close to their hearts.

Away from condolences, DP Ruto and other leaders present at the mass took time to ask that the country is facing a number of challenges that needed to be sorted out.

For instance, the second in command said that the country is facing challenges including the health human capital which is over stretched asking that It is not time to point fingers but to stand together to confront the challenges.

“Let us be friends and partners even when times are not good. Let us find the place and space where we as leaders can work together. The most imperative unity is the unity of a nation.” Ruto said.

On the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), Ruto said it was time the leaders managed the situation together without pointing fingers and saying it is you guys.

UNCTAF Secretary General Dr Mukhisa Kituyi pleaded with political leaders to support government to improve livelihoods of Kenyans.

Veteran politician Cyrus Jirongo asked policians in attendance to also work together as Kenya has a long history and have a lot to achieve if only they worked together.

Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala asked those that need Mudavadi in their camp to instead join him in ANC.

“I am alive to the fact that Musalia Mudavadi is not in ODM. If you want to support Mudavadi, you cannot support him if you’re still in ODM or in Jubilee Party. Make your way to ANC, the door is wide open.” Malala said.

The 92-year-old passed away on December 28 while receiving treatment at the Nairobi Hospital.

She will be laid to rest in Vihiga County on Saturday.