Listen to This Article Enhance your reading experience by listening to this article.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has mourned Nyandarua veteran politician Kimani Wanyoike, who died at the age of 85 at Nairobi Hospital yesterday morning after a long illness.

He, at the same time, condoled with the family of Rtd Catholic Bishop of Meru Diocese Silas Njiru who succumbed to Covid-19 in Italy.

The President prayed for God’s fortitude as the country mourns the departed prelate.

Uhuru described Wanyoike as a vibrant and fearless leader who spoke his mind at all times.

“Kimani Wanyoike was a brilliant and steadfast politician who never shied away from expressing his views on issues of national importance. 

“He was a firm believer in social justice,” said the President.

He said the vocal leader distinguished himself as a fierce defender of multi-party democracy and the rule of law.

“We will forever remember Hon Wanyoike as a progressive politician who helped shepherd multi-party democracy in our country,” the President noted.

The President prayed God to give the late Wanyoike’s family the fortitude and strength to bear the loss.

Wanyoike once served as the Member of Parliament for South Kinangop and vied for the presidency on a Ford People party ticket in 1997 and is a former detainee and a trade unionist.

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga described  Wanyoike as distinguished trade unionist and a Second Liberation activist.