National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has offered a personal reflection on the life of his late brother, James Mukhwana Wetang’ula, describing him as a calm, peace-loving man who was once destined for the priesthood before choosing a different path in life.

Speaking during Mukwana’s funeral in Tuuti, Bungoma, on Friday, December 19, 2025, Wetang’ula recalled that James was the kind of person who never sought conflict with anyone.

According to him, if disagreements ever arose, it was never because James had wronged someone. He noted that he could not remember a single individual who openly quarrelled with his brother during his lifetime.

Instead, whenever tensions began to rise, James would quietly excuse himself and walk away, choosing peace over confrontation.

Personal relationship

”He was a person such that if you ever fell out with him, then you were the one at fault, because he never quarrelled with anyone. I do not know anybody who actively quarrelled with my brother in his life. Whenever he sensed tempers rising, he would simply get up and walk away,” Wetang’ula said in his eulogy.

In a revelation that surprised many, Wetang’ula disclosed that his late brother, before venturing into the teaching profession, had initially been prepared for religious life. James had been sent to Mukumu Seminary, where he studied for some time before returning home. Upon his return, he informed the family that he had been advised not to go back to the seminary.

Curious about the decision, Wetang’ula asked his brother what had happened. James simply explained that “worldly matters” had influenced his choice. The family, Wetang’ula said, respected that decision. He added that it was because of those “worldly matters” that the family later welcomed a sister-in-law and children, who are now part of their lives.

Priesthood path

”James was meant to become a priest. He was taken to Mukumu Seminary, where he studied for some time. Later, he returned home and told us that he had been advised not to go back there. I asked him what had happened, and he said, “My brother, it is worldly matters.” We respected those worldly matters, because it is because of them that you now see a sister-in-law here and you see children here,” Wetang’ula revealed.

Wetang’ula’s tribute painted the picture of a humble man whose life was guided by restraint, understanding and quiet wisdom. The burial ceremony was attended by close family members, friends and area leaders, including: Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, Knduyi Member of Parliament John Makali and Members of County Assembly (MCAs).

Mukhwana’s demise was confirmed by his brother and Westland Member of Parliament, Tim Wanyonyi, through his Facebook page on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.