Kitui Leaders Endorse Nyenze's Successor During Burial Ceremony

Kitui West Member of Parliament (MP) Francis Nyenze was laid to rest on Tuesday in a ceremony that was attended by leaders across the political divide.

A resonating request from Ukambani leaders from the region was that the departed MP be succeeded by his wife, Mrs Edith Faith Nyenze.

Among leaders who have endorsed Mrs Nyenze for parliament is Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu and Kitui Woman Representative Irene Kasalu.

"We all elected Mwanzia Wa Nyenze to parliament, but who campaigned for him? It was Mama Faith and that is why I will rally behind her and ask all of you to give her that seat," one female leader announced.

[caption caption="Mrs Edith Faith Nyenze (centre), widow to former Kitui West MP Francis Nyenze"][/caption]

"I have heard what Kitui West wants, Edith Nyenze you will carry this seat in your shoulder and I will campaign for you. Hiyo pesa IEBC mnataka kutumia mtupe tuwekee wananchi maji (IEBC should donate the money set aside for a by-election to fund water projects instead)," Governor Ngilu suggested.

The Kitui Woman Rep also endorsed Nyenze's widow assuring her that she would have her full support.

She added that the deceased MP had played a major role in her attaining the elective post.

"I actually met Mr Nyenze through WhatsApp. My brother is the one who was running my campaign and he was the one who used to interact closely with Mheshimiwa.

"After sometime, I got really broke as a result of the campaigns and that is when Mheshimiwa finally met me in person. I went to him and requested the funds and he was completely generous, along with Mama Edith," Dr Kasalu narrated.

Nyenze's widow gave a touching tribute during the ceremony as she eulogised her husband as a God-fearing man and a partner she will dearly miss. Mrs Nyenze also conveyed a message from her departed husband to the constituents. 

"Thank you all for being here with us to comfort us. Let me also give my sympathies to you for you have lost your beloved leader too. Shabiki was discharged on Tuesday and he had really wanted to come back to Kitui West to say goodbye.

"He has gone to rest but get it from me that he had you in his heart. May you also receive comfort as you mourn," Mrs Nyenze conveyed.

Leaders who attended the burial include NASA leaders Raila Odinga, Musalia Mudavadi, Moses Wetangula and Johnstone Muthama.

National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, Minority Leader John Mbadi, Minosrity Whip Chris Wamalwa and Murang'a Senator Irungu Kang'ata were also present at the event.

[caption caption="NASA leaders Raila Odinga, Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetangula during MP Francis Nyenze's burial"][/caption]