NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 10 – President Mwai Kibaki was among hundreds of distinguished mourners who paid their last respects to the late Joseph Karume Njenga, son of prominent businessman and former Defense Minister Njenga Karume.
The late Karume was laid to rest at his father’s farm in Kiambaa Constituency, Kiambu district.
Addressing the mourners, President Kibaki urged Kenyans to forget the differences caused by campaigns for the new Constitution and unite in its implementation to move the country to the next level of development.
President Kibaki said the new Constitution was good for the country as it ensured better management of public affairs and equity in distribution of resources.
The President observed that the new Constitution besides laying the foundation of a stable and prosperous nation, promised a better country where the rights of all Kenyans are guaranteed and would also unlock the economic potential of the nation.
On this regard, the Head of State exhorted Kenyans to believe in the living God and guard against being divided and misled by the many religious denominations in the country.
Said President Kibaki, “Kenyans should learn to pray together despite belonging to different denominations”.
The Head of State at the same time urged churches to shun divisiveness and work together in uniting Kenyans to build the dream Kenya under the new constitution.
“Let us come together as one nation to give our country a new beginning under the new constitution,” President Kibaki said.
Consoling the Karume family, President Kibaki said during his life, the late Joseph earned himself the reputation of being a sociable and a hard working person in the community and has left a legacy worth emulating by Kenyans.
He called on Kenyans to learn to assist one another and trust in God in everything they do during their lifetime, as nobody knows the day they would pass away.
Assuring the late Joseph’s children of the necessary support to live decent lives, the President urged the Karume family to be grateful to God for the period they had spent with their beloved family member.
Speaking during the occasion, Prime Minister Raila Odinga said the government was concerned that the road section where Joseph perished in an accident was a black spot where several other lives have been lost.
Mr Odinga affirmed that the government will construct a duel carriageway on the section to guard against further loss of lives through accidents.
“Already the contracting is in progress and work on the road will start soon,” the Prime Minister said.
Mr Odinga praised the late Joseph’s father Mr Njenga Karume for writing his auto-biography and challenged other Kenyans to write books on their contribution to society.
He paid tribute to the late Joseph for his exemplary service to his community and the nation.
Others who addressed the mourners included Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, Cooperatives Minister Joseph Nyaga and Kiambaa MP Stanley Githunguri.
Among the dignitaries attending the funeral included several cabinet Ministers, current and former members of parliament and religious leaders.
The late Joseph Karume died at the age of 55 years and is survived by three children.
The Catholic Bishop of Nairobi the Rt Rev. David Kamau conducted the funeral service.
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