The Injendi family in Malava constituency, Kakamega County is in turmoil after they lost two of their gallant sons a day apart.

When Malava MP Moses Malulu Injendi fell ill some weeks ago, one of his constant visitors and caregivers at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi was Samuel Injendi, his older and most-trusted brother.

While back home in Malava last week, Samuel, a retired prisons officer, also fell sick and was rushed to the Kakamega County Referral Hospital where he succumbed on Sunday.

Before the shocking news could sink in, with a funeral committee that had just been constituted for the family to plan the interment of their senior kin, more devastating news would jolt the family.

Malulu, his younger brother, had also passed away on Monday. The committee was forced to suspend all arrangements.

“It is a shock and tragedy to the family because we now have to reconstitute the funeral committee and start planning for the two funerals concurrently,” said Chemuche MCA Jason Lutomia who is co-ordinating the twin events.

Lutomia was, however, still unsure if the two brothers and close friends would be buried on the same day or apart.

“Hon Malulu and his elder brother, Samuel, were government officers with many friends and associates. We shall, thus, have to sit down again and plan properly. That is when we shall agree on the burial date,” he said.

He, however, said according to the culture and traditions of the Kabras sub-tribe where the duo hailed from, Samuel will most likely be laid to rest before the MP.

Mourners from all walks of life kept streaming into the Chemuche village to mourn with the bereaved. A sombre mood engulfed the family with villagers and other constituents weeping uncontrollably.

Unforeseen death

The MP, 58, had fallen sick last month and hospitalised with his 80-year-old elder brother making a number of trips to Nairobi to check on him.

Family members said that even with his advanced age, Samuel never showed any signs of sickness until last week just after returning from Nairobi.

“It is a double-tragedy that we never anticipated. We are doing all we can to calm the family down. We will keep you posted,” said Lutomia.

A section of political leaders from Kakamega paid tributes to the Malulu while expressing their shock over the tragic events.

Led by the Kakamega governor Fernandes Barasa, they said the MP had been a blessing to not just Malava but other parts of the county.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, the people of Malava and Kakamega County during this difficult time,” Barasa said in a statement.

He described Injendi as a dedicated leader who worked hard to advance education, strengthen the sugar industry and champion the interests of his constituents.

The sentiments were echoed by MPs Benard Shinali of Ikolomani, Fred Ikana (Shinyalu), Khwisero’s Christopher Aseka and Lurambi’s Titus Khamala. The lawmakers described their deceased colleague as a development-conscious and decisive leader.

“Hon. Malulu was a loyal servant of the people of not just Malava but other parts of the country. It was because of his dedication that saw him get elected for a record three times. I have lost an elder brother and best friend,” said Ikana, who was very close to Malulu.

Shinali said he had known the late MP for over fifteen years and that he always cherished the moments they shared in and out of the National Assembly.

“We were elected in 2013 and were both doing our third terms in Parliament. We worked very well and that is why our constituents had immense confidence in us,” he added.

Bishop Khamala said he always got along with Malulu even as they belonged to different political formations. Aseka echoed the sentiments saying Malulu was ever steadfast in his political decisions and always built bridges through friendships.

“Malulu was a very progressive leader and many of us picked a lot from him. We shall miss him,” he added.