Uhuru, Ruto to attend Knut boss burial in Kisumu

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Knut officials at a requiem mass for the late David Okuta Osiany at the Consolata Shrine Catholic Church in Westlands on April 17, 2013. Photo/ANTHONY OMUYA   NATION MEDIA GROUP

By BENJAMIN MUINDI bmuindi@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted  Wednesday, April 17  2013 at  16:42

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President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto are on Friday expected to attend the burial of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) boss, David Okuta Osiany in Nyando, Kisumu County.

Knut chairman Wilson Sossion also confirmed that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka will attend the ceremony.

“The office of the President has confirmed that he will attend the burial of his friend (Mr) Okuta and will be accompanied by his deputy,” Mr Sossion said after a requiem mass held at the Consolata Shrine, in Westlands, Nairobi.

Nairobi Regional Coordinator Ndirang’u Njoroge also confirmed to the family of Mr Okuta that President Kenyatta will attend the burial.

Mr Ndirang’u who is the former Nairobi Provincial Commissioner delivered condolence message from the Office of the President during the requiem mass.

And Mr Sossion said that Knut had sent a programme of the ceremony as had been requested by the Office of the President.

In his message, President Kenyatta said with the death of Mr Osiany, the country had lost a dedicated trade unionist who stood firm for the rights and welfare of teachers countrywide.

“It is with deep sorrow and regret that I send this message of condolence and encouragement to the entire teaching fraternity following the sad demise of Mr Osiany,” he said.

President Kenyatta said that in his life and work, the late Osiany earned himself the reputation of being a sociable, humble, generous and hardworking gentleman.

Last year during the campaign period, Mr Kenyatta visited the ailing leader of the giant union at his Nairobi home.

After his demise, President Kenyatta also sent donation to the family for burial arrangements.

“Although Okuta Osiany has left us, it is my belief and conviction that the ideals and virtues that he relished will continue to inspire and guide those he has left behind,” he said.

Mr Okuta, 61, was pronounced dead on arrival at Rongai Women Hospital in Nairobi a fortnight ago.