William Ruto avoids Azimio Bill debate at Ken Osinde's burial

Deputy President William Ruto on Thursday avoided the debate on the Political Parties (Amendment) Bill, 2021 during the burial service of his former Chief of Staff Ken Osinde, in Ngata, Nakuru County.

This even as his close allies, led by Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika, took on their opponents head-on, while accusing them of engaging in ‘evil’ political schemes.

Similarly, the Deputy President kept off the raging 2022 succession politics, only choosing to condole with the bereaved family.

Senator Kihika and South Mugirango MP, Sylvanus Osoro, on the other hand, spared no effort to wade into the debate.

“As foot soldiers of the Deputy President, we will continue fighting any bid to undermine the Constitution. I thank my colleagues in the National Assembly for the great job that you did on Wednesday, because we move around we say we are for the people and you showed that by action. We cannot allow laws that are brought to the House without following procedure," Senator Kihika said.

"They wanted to rush the Bill and pass it on one sitting, because of selfish political interests. Even in January we will not allow that to happen," she added.

She likened the Bill to the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) Bill, saying it will also be stopped.

Mr Osoro lauded MPs allied to Ruto, saying what happened on Wednesday was victory for all Kenyans.

"The Bill is an affront on democracy and constitutionalism and should not be allowed to pass. We in DP Ruto's camp are not competing against personalities but with ideas,” he said.

Ruto on his part eulogised the late Osinde as a hardworking, honest and humble person who dispatched his duties diligently.

He described the one time diplomat as a man full of ideas and who could make heavy tasks look easy.

"As an office, we have lost a hardworking, diligent leader with a mastery of human resources. Osinde was a good leader with robust management, teamwork spirit and problem-solving skills. We will miss him dearly," Ruto said.

“Last week news of Osinde's death found me in Turkana. l was shocked to receive the news. This man was a strong team leader who was always ready to tackle issues. I delegated many responsibilities to him and he never let me down," he added.

Osinde's widow eulgised him as her best friend.

"I have lost my best friend, a humble, jovial, witty, sharp and loving husband who always took care of his family. Fun and laughter reigned in our home throughout our 32 years of marriage. I stand here today to celebrate the life of a man who was not only my husband but one who touched many lives. I will greatly miss him," she said.

East African Court of Justice judge Charles Nyachae, a close friend of the late Osinde, while condoling with the family, eulogised him as a hardworking person, who was always happy and real.

Former President Daniel arap Moi's longtime press secretary Lee Njiru, in a moving tribute, described  the late Osinde as a dedicated, hardworking and visionary civil servant, who will be greatly missed.

Other leaders who attended the funeral included former Principal Secretary Thuita Mwangi, MPs Vincent Kemosi (West Mugirango), Joash Nyamoko (North Migirango) and Nakuru Woman Rep, Liza Chelule.

Also present were former Members of Parliament Omingo Magara and Walter Nyambati.

Osinde, 59,died on December 10, 2021 while receiving treatment at the Nairobi Hospital. According to his family, Osinde was taken ill on December 7, 2021 and was admitted at Nairobi Hospital on December 8, where he underwent emergency surgery. He passed  on two days later while at the ICU.

Osinde once as Kenya's ambassador to Germany, Romania and Bulgaria.

The late Osinde was a holder of a Master’s degree in Arts from the University of Nairobi and Masters of Business Administration from the Eastern and Southern Africa Management Institute (ESAMI).

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