National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula on Friday, February 21 joined President William Ruto and other national leaders in Kilifi County to pay tribute to the late Mzee Kingi Mwaruwa Mkweha, father to Senate Speaker Amason Kingi.
Speaking at the funeral, Speaker Wetang’ula emphasized the need for unity and patriotism, drawing from Mzee Mkweha’s life as an example of service to the community.
“As we pay our last respects, we reflect on a life well lived one that embodied wisdom, sacrifice, and dedication to uplifting others. His values should serve as a guiding light for all of us,” Wetang’ula remarked.
The Speaker underscored the need for collective national support in advancing Kenya’s presence on the global stage. Referring to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s bid to chair the African Union Commission, Wetang’ula highlighted the spirit of resilience in global competitions.
“In every competition, there are winners and those who don’t succeed. But what defines us is not how long we stay down, but how quickly we rise,” he stated, while praising Kenya’s history of producing global leaders such as Mr. Mahboub M. Maalin, the first Executive Secretary of IGAD; Justice Joyce Aluoch of The Hague; and Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, former Secretary-General of UNCTAD.
He called on Kenyans to support fellow citizens striving for international roles, stressing that apathy toward national ambitions undermines the spirit of patriotism.
“Patriotism is about standing together for the greater good. Turning a blind eye when our nation strives for global recognition is, at best, unpatriotic,” he stated.
In a moment of humor, he referenced former Ugandan President Idi Amin’s famous quote about blowing one’s own trumpet, encouraging President Ruto and his government to keep amplifying their plans, informing and engaging Kenyans.
“Mr. President, as the one who carries the burden of this country, continue blowing your trumpet,” he said to the laughter and applause of mourners. “The people of Kenya must be informed and actively participate in the progress we make. Government is not an advertising agency, but it has a duty to communicate its actions transparently,” he affirmed.
Responding to recent comments by Archbishop of Nyeri Anthony Muheria suggesting that the government is advertising and overemphasizing its achievements, Speaker Wetang’ula firmly defended the administration’s responsibility to engage and keep citizens informed.
“Kuna wale wanasema government is not an advertising agency. If you think otherwise, then it means you have not read the Constitution of the Republic of Kenya, 2010. The Constitution we passed places the people of Kenya at its center. They must be informed and participate in everything we do. As a government, we have a duty to continuously communicate our actions to all Kenyans from Vanga to Lokichogio, from Malaba to Lamu so that they remain aware of the progress we are making,” he affirmed.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi echoed Wetang’ula’s sentiments, stressing the importance of public participation as enshrined in the Constitution.
“In line with the government’s mandate in development and in line with our Constitution, we need to do public participation. It is required to meet the needs of our citizens without that, it would be dictatorship. Saying that we are doing government advertising is misleading Kenyans. It is the responsibility of the government to inform its public,” Mudavadi stated.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki went on to advance the need for hard work, unity, and collective effort in building the nation.
“As a country, we need to put in effort, work hard, and remain united. Our unity is what will make us move forward. Elections have ended, and we must now focus on building our nation together,” Kindiki urged.
As Mzee Mkweha was laid to rest, Speaker Wetang’ula called on all Kenyans to embrace the values the late Kingi stood for, service, integrity, and community development. He concluded with a message of unity and hope for the future.
“Let us love one another, love our country, and work together to build a prosperous Kenya. Patriotism is the foundation of a strong nation. May Mzee Mkweha’s legacy continue to inspire us all.”
