Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga unite in grief

President Kenyatta with Cord leader Raila Odinga at the Nairobi home of the late Otieno Kajwang’ where they had gone to console the Homa Bay Senator’s family. Looking on is the widow, Mrs Rose Kajwang. PHOTO | PSCU 

In Summary

• The two leaders spoke in Nairobi at the Runda home of Mr Kajwang’ when they went to console his family.
• At the Lee Funeral Home, government pathologist Johansen Oduor said conclusive postmortem examination results will be released on Friday.

By OUMA WANZALA

President Kenyatta and Cord leader Raila Odinga on Thursday spoke with one voice on the need for political leaders to work together, irrespective of their party affiliations.

They were brought together by the death of Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang’, and revived hopes for national dialogue aimed at ending the confrontations that have characterised the political landscape in recent times.

The two leaders spoke in Nairobi at the Runda home of Mr Kajwang’ when they went to console his family.

Deputy President William Ruto, Attorney-General Githu Muigai, Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala, Majority Leader in the Senate Kindiki Kithure, Minority Leader Moses Wetang’ula and several senators and MPs from both Cord and Jubilee coalitions were present.

“As leaders, we should come together for the benefit of our people. That is what the late senator had championed. As leaders, we have to look at the legacy that we will leave behind when our time comes,” said Mr Kenyatta.

The President said that despite attacking his opponents, Mr Kajwang’ would remind you that it was politics and he did not mean bad.

“Having a different political ideology should not mean being enemies. It is just a difference in opinion,” said Mr Kenyatta, adding that the late senator never feared anything.

He assured the family that the government and the Kenyan people would continue to support them at this time and in future.

“We stand by you at this difficult time. We are all passing by, and a time for each will come, as we have no control,” said the President.

Mr Odinga said the coalition would continue to push for national dialogue as championed by Mr Kajwang’ before his death on Tuesday night.

“We need dialogue to address some of issues affecting the country as we want a better nation that is united,” said Mr Odinga, adding that the party and the coalition had lost a strong pillar.

The Deputy President said Senator Kajwang’ was proud of his party and championed the country’s interests.

“That is the legacy that we want to continue with from where he left,” said Mr Ruto. Mr Wetang’ula said Mr Kajwang’ was good debater who will be missed greatly.

At the Lee Funeral Home, government pathologist Johansen Oduor said conclusive postmortem examination results will be released on Friday.

Dr Oduor who was accompanied by family members of the deceased and politicians as well family pathologist Dr Emily Rugena said they will be doing further testing to the samples that had been collected.

“We have taken several samples for analysis. We will be able to give out a report after analysis them conclusively,” Dr Oduor.

The samples were urine, blood and some stomach contents.

The post-mortem that started at 8.30am was attended by Siaya Senator James Orengo and the late senator’s brother and Ruaraka MP Tom Kajwang.

Mr Orengo warned of legal action against those who are spreading false information on the internet about the cause of the death.

“The later senator was drove to the hospital by his wife from his house in Runda .