Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to attend the annual memorial service for the late Vice-President Michael Kijana Wamalwa in Kitale, Trans Nzoia county, where he will also launch a book documenting the life and legacy of the former vice-president.
DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa said preparations for the memorial service, which will be held at Wamalwa’s Milimani home and mausoleum, are complete, with political leaders from across the divide expected to attend.
Eugene said Uhuru had written the foreword to the book on his late brother 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.
He said the family had put in place elaborate plans for the annual commemoration and urged Kenyans to attend the service and celebrate Wamalwa’s contribution to the country.
“Plans are in top gear and everything is in place. We ask all Kenyans who have time to join for the service,” he said.
Eugene said the gathering would bring together political leaders from both sides of the Opposition, including those associated with the United Alternative Government and the Linda Mwananchi movement.
“We are also expecting Opposition leaders from both sides, the United Alternative Government and Linda Mwananchi leaders,” he said.
He added that the invitation list was not limited to Opposition politicians, saying government leaders who had close ties with the Wamalwa family and had worked 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 each year to mark the anniversary of Wamalwa’s death. The former vice-president died on August 23, 2003, aged 59, while undergoing treatment in London.
The commemorations have traditionally included a prayer service, laying of wreaths at his mausoleum and reflections on his contribution to Kenya’s political history.
This year’s event comes at a time when political parties and leaders are increasingly positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Eugene said the family would use the occasion not only to remember Wamalwa but also to celebrate his commitment to national unity.
“We will not just remember Kijana Wamalwa, we will also celebrate his efforts to unite the country. He fought for the unity of the community in Western, and the country as a whole,” he said.
Wamalwa served as Kenya’s fourth vice-president under former President Mwai Kibaki after the National Rainbow Coalition won the 2002 General Election. His political career was closely associated with calls for national unity and the formation of broad political coalitions.
Eugene said Wamalwa’s legacy remained relevant as Kenya approached another General Election, urging politicians to promote unity rather than division.
“As we head to the elections, we are asking that all leaders be sources of unity for Kenyans,” he said.
He called for peaceful campaigns and warned against the use of violence and intimidation as political parties mobilise supporters.
“We want peaceful elections. We do not want goonism, political violence,” Eugene said.
He also urged voters to reject politicians who use ethnic rhetoric to mobilise support.
“We must reject leaders who spread tribalism,” he said.
The memorial is therefore expected to provide an opportunity for leaders across the political divide to reflect on Wamalwa’s legacy at a time when Kenya’s political landscape is undergoing fresh realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
The presence of Uhuru, alongside Opposition and government leaders, is also expected to give the event a significant political dimension while retaining its central focus on celebrating the life and contribution of the late vice-president.
