Raila to fete heroes Muliro and Masinde

FRIDAY, 26 AUGUST 2011 00:06 BY SIMBI KUSIMBA

TRIP: PM Raila Odinga is expected in Cherangany for the Masinde Muliro memorial. Photo/File

The families of two Bukusu illustrious sons set for official recognition by the state have welcomed the planned weekend visit to Trans Nzoia and Bungoma by Prime Minister Raila Odinga and other dignitaries including National Heritage minister William Ole Ntimama. Raila, Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi and assistant minister Alfred Khanga'ti held a one-hour meeting on Monday evening with the late Masinde Muliro's widow, Marcia, sons Mwambu, Musoke and daughter Regina in readiness for the visit to Muliro's Sibanga home in Cherenganyi on Saturday.

Mwambu arrived in Cherenganyi yesterday and was working closely with Trans Nzoia East DC Abedi Mwalo to finalise arrangements whereas Muliro's Bakokho clansmen who have lauded the government initiative to recognize Muliro were meeting in Matili to make travel plans to Sibanga. At the late Elijah Masinde's Maeni home, his Babichaachi clansmen headed by Patrick Chaka were supportive of the state move to immortalise the duo as national heroes and told off local politicians opposed to Raila's visit. The Prime Minister and his entourage will visit the home near Kimilili in Bungoma on Sunday.

Musoke said it was a great honour for government to recognise the zealous efforts of his late father in the struggle for independence and his contribution towards the second liberation. He said leaders opposed to the event on cultural grounds "were myopic and sought to banish the Muliro family from national limelight."

Musoke told the Star in Bungoma: :These leaders have done nothing for our family despite having been close to dad when he was alive. Now that he is scheduled to be proclaimed a national hero, they come out of the woodwork to label the Prime Minister a villain for doing what is naturally right which they failed to when they were in power and close to President Kibaki.”

Chaka said plans to honour Masinde who was leader of the proscribed Dini ya Musambwa sect were unstoppable and the ceremony would go ahead as planned with Raila as chief guest. "Those making unnecessary noise are jealous and jittery at the development because of the impact it is likely to have on their future political careers because they achieved nothing in their heyday," he said.