Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader, Raila Odinga, made an emotional tribute to his fallen 'brother' and friend, Charles Rubia, the first black mayor of Nairobi City and a second liberation hero.
Odinga's tribute to Rubia who died on Monday, December 23, 2019, at his Karen home was read by Siaya Senator, James Orengo, on Monday, December 30, 2019, during Rubia's burial service in Kandara, Murang'a County.
The AU envoy together with Rubia among other leaders had fought relentlessly against former President Daniel Moi's regime, in the struggle to restore multi-party democracy in Kenya.
Moi would eventually bow to pressure and repealed section 2A of the Kenyan Constitution in December 1991, allowing for multi-party elections the following year.
"Fellow Kenyans, I join you in saying our last respects to a great citizen, a great leader and a great businessman.
Personally, I have lost a friend and a comrade. Charles Rubia took on daunting historic tasks and persued them with deep convictions
He showed this character as the first Mayor of Nairobi and as a Member of Parliament and then a Cabinet Minister and also as a businessman
In his most recent and best known public life, Rubia devoted his life to fighting for the restoration of multi-party democracy, a project in which we worked closely.
That struggled destroyed his health and nearly cost him his life. I had the honour of working closely with Rubia during this period which was one of the most trying times in the life of this nation.
I can testify that he had firm principles that he was ready to defend at all costs. He could articulate his principles clearly and courageously and act upon them decisively. We share the family's grief, but we also share the family's pride in Rubia.
It is my hope that his life can be a guide as we seek to fight corruption, defend democracy and steady our economy. May Charles rest in lasting peace," Odinga wrote.
Among those present at the funeral included President Uhuru Kenyatta, Cabinet Secretaries Eugene Wamalwa (Devolution), James Macharia (Transport), and Monica Juma (Foreign Affairs).
Others were James Orengo (Siaya Senator), Irungu Kang’ata (Murang’a Senator), Alice Wahome (Kandara MP), Millie Odhiambo (Suba North MP), Sabina Chege (Murang’a Woman Rep), Nduati Kariuki (Murang’a County Assembly Speaker), Kembi Gitura (former Murang’a Senator), Peter Kenneth (former Gatanga MP) and Beatrice Elachi (Nairobi County Assembly Speaker).
The late Charles Rubia, 96, served as a Member of Parliament for Starehe Constituency for 20 years from 1969 during which he held several ministerial positions.
Video: Citizen TV
