TRANS NZOIA, Kenya – Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to attend the annual memorial service for former Vice-President Michael Kijana Wamalwa in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, where he is also expected to launch a book documenting the late leader’s life and legacy.
DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa said preparations for the memorial service at Wamalwa’s Milimani home and mausoleum are complete, with political leaders from across Kenya’s political divide expected to attend.
Eugene said Uhuru wrote the foreword to the book on his late brother and is expected to formally launch the publication during the memorial.
“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 made elaborate preparations for the annual commemoration and invited Kenyans to attend the service and celebrate the former vice-president’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.
Opposition and government leaders invited
According to Eugene, the invitation list extends beyond Opposition politicians, with leaders associated with the United Alternative Government and the Linda Mwananchi movement expected to attend.
“We are also expecting Opposition leaders from both sides, the United Alternative Government and Linda Mwananchi leaders,” he said.
Government leaders who had close ties with the Wamalwa family and worked with the late vice-president have 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.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna is among the political leaders invited to the event.
The gathering comes as Kenya’s political parties and leaders intensify mobilisation and realignment ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Wamalwa memorial marks 23 years since his death
The annual memorial service is held around August 23 to mark the anniversary of Michael Kijana Wamalwa’s death.
Wamalwa died on August 23, 2003, aged 59, while undergoing treatment in London.
The former vice-president served as Kenya’s fourth vice-president under President Mwai Kibaki after the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) won the 2002 General Election.
His political career was closely associated with coalition-building and calls for national unity.
The annual commemoration has traditionally included prayers, the laying of wreaths at his mausoleum and reflections on his contribution to Kenya’s political history.
Eugene said this year’s event would go beyond remembering his brother to celebrate his efforts to promote unity in Kenya and Western Kenya.
“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.
Eugene calls for peaceful 2027 campaigns
With Kenya approaching the 2027 General Election, Eugene urged political leaders to draw lessons from Wamalwa’s legacy by promoting national unity.
He called on politicians to avoid violence, intimidation and ethnic rhetoric during the campaign period.
“As we head to the elections, we are asking that all leaders be sources of unity for Kenyans,” he said.
Eugene also called for peaceful political campaigns.
“We want peaceful elections. We do not want goonism, political violence,” he said.
He urged voters to reject politicians who use ethnic rhetoric to mobilise support.
“We must reject leaders who spread tribalism,” he said.
The call comes against a backdrop of growing political tensions and reported violence at political rallies in parts of the country as parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 polls.
