Western Kenya leaders on Wednesday gathered at Friends Church in Lang’ata, Nairobi, for the requiem mass of veteran diplomat and former Cabinet minister Burudi Nabwera.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula were among the prominent leaders who attended the service to pay their last respects to the late statesman.
The gathering brought together leaders from the region at a time when political differences are increasingly shaping conversations ahead of the 2027 general election.
The service, however, also drew attention to the contrasting political positions of the leaders in attendance, particularly Sifuna, who has emerged as a vocal critic of President William Ruto’s administration.
Sifuna addresses mourners
During his address, Sifuna questioned what he described as hostility from government-aligned leaders towards those criticizing public policies.
The senator cited disagreements over the Affordable Housing Program, saying political leaders should respond to questions about government policies rather than resort to personal insults.
He also called for discipline in political engagements, reiterating that the Linda Mwananchi movement would not disrupt funerals or public meetings, even when its members felt disrespected.
Sifuna’s remarks came amid an increasingly public exchange between him and senior government figures over his political ambitions and the opposition’s preparedness for the 2027 elections.
Mudavadi and Wetang’ula leave during Sifuna’s address
Mudavadi and Wetang’ula were captured leaving the church as Sifuna was invited to address mourners.
The timing attracted attention given their differing political positions, although it was not immediately clear whether their departure was directly linked to the senator’s address.
Both leaders have recently questioned the readiness of emerging opposition formations to challenge Ruto in the next election, while Sifuna has continued to promote his political movement.
Nabwera’s legacy
Nabwera, who died on October 8, 2026, served as Kenya’s first ambassador to the United States and its first permanent representative to the United Nations.
He also served as Minister of State in the Office of the President and became the first MP for Lugari Constituency after its creation in 1988.
His requiem mass in Nairobi is part of funeral arrangements ahead of his burial scheduled for Saturday, October 24, at his home in Sango Farm, Kiminini, Trans Nzoia County.
A second requiem service is scheduled for Friday, October 23, at Friends Church in Kiminini.
