Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta on Sunday received a heroic welcome in Kitale, Trans Nzoia county, for the annual memorial service of the late Vice-President Michael Kijana Wamalwa, where he is the chief guest.
Opposition leaders led by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, PLP leader Martha Karua, former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu and Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi received Uhuru upon his arrival.
The programme had already begun when Uhuru arrived, prompting organisers to pause the proceedings to allow political leaders and members of the Wamalwa family to formally receive him.
A jubilant crowd broke into song and dance as the retired President made his way into the venue, underscoring the significance of his appearance at the annual commemoration.
After being received, Uhuru proceeded to the mausoleum where he laid a wreath at the grave of the late vice-president.
Uhuru is also expected to launch a book documenting Wamalwa’s life and political legacy.
DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, the late vice-president’s brother, earlier said Uhuru had written the foreword to the book and would formally launch it during the memorial service.
“It has taken a bit of time, 23 years, but the book is now complete, and he put the foreword on the book and we expect him to join us,” Eugene said.
The memorial service has brought together political leaders from different sides of Kenya’s political divide, giving the event a significant political dimension as parties and leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Eugene had said the family expected leaders associated with both the United Alternative Government and the Linda Mwananchi movement to attend the event.
“We are also expecting Opposition leaders from both sides, the United Alternative Government and Linda Mwananchi leaders,” he said.
He said the gathering was not restricted to Opposition leaders, noting that government officials and politicians who were friends of the family or had close ties with the late vice-president had also been invited.
“Not just leaders in Opposition. Even leaders in government who are friends to the family and were close to Kijana have been invited,” Eugene said.
The annual memorial service is held around August 23 to mark the anniversary of Wamalwa’s death. The former vice-president died on August 23, 2003, aged 59, while receiving treatment in London.
The commemorations traditionally feature prayers, the laying of wreaths at his mausoleum and reflections on Wamalwa’s contribution to Kenya’s political history.
This year’s gathering comes against the backdrop of heightened political activity as parties and leaders begin consolidating their bases ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Eugene said the family also wanted the occasion to serve as a reminder of Wamalwa’s commitment to national unity and his efforts to bring Kenyans together.
He said Wamalwa’s legacy remained relevant at a time when the country was entering another politically charged period, urging leaders to promote unity and peaceful politics.
The presence of Uhuru, alongside senior Opposition figures, has added political interest to the memorial, with the gathering providing an opportunity for leaders from different formations to share a platform in honour of the late vice-president.
