Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) party leader Eugene Wamalwa is eulogizing his late brother and the eighth vice president of Kenya Michael Kijana Wamalwa.
The vocal politician took to his socials on Friday, August 23, 2024, to pay tribute to his late brother who died 21 years ago.
“Today Friday the 23rd of August 2024 marks the 21st Anniversary of the passing of the 8th Vice President of the Republic of Kenya. Fondly remembered by your loving family and many whose hearts you touched,” Eugene said.
Inviting Kenyans to pray for his soul and the country he loved, Eugene disclosed that this year’s celebration will be a private prayer service held by the family at his Milimani residence in Kitale.
“This year’s anniversary celebration will be marked by a private prayer service by the family and all Kenyans of goodwill are invited to continue praying for his soul and for the Country that he loved dearly. We thank you all for the love and support you have always given us over the years. A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again,” Eugene said.
This day 21 years ago at Royal Free Hospital in London, Kenya lost the 8th Vice President but our family lost a loving brother, mentor, father,husband and all time favourite Uncle Mike.
May his Soul rest in eternal peace.
“And when he shall die take him and cut him out into… pic.twitter.c*m/SEYIMjo7TC— Eugene L. Wamalwa (@EugeneLWamalwa) August 23, 2024
EX-VP’s 20th anniversary
During his 20th anniversary, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya launched the Michael Wamalwa Kijana Memorial Teaching and Referral Hospital to keep his memory alive.
Kijana Wamalwa
Wamalwa who was the brother of DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa passed on August 23, 2003 at the age of 58 while receiving treatment at the Royal Free Hospital in London.
Wamalwa launched his political debut in the 1974 parliamentary elections, running for the Kitale West Constituency at the age of 30 earning him the name ‘Kijana’.
The eloquent yet soft-spoken leader and other young leaders dubbed ‘Young Turks’ formed the Forum For Democracy Restoration (FORD) and continued to push for constitutional reforms.
He mobilized other members of the opposition to unite and kick out the Moi government.
The late president Mwai Kibaki, in December 2002 appointed Wamalwa as his Vice-President.
In December 2002, he was the late president Mwai Kibaki’s running mate, as expected, he was appointed Vice President when the 22-member cabinet was named.