The passing away of Homa Bay Senator Gerald Otieno Kajwang’ has not only robbed his family of a father figure, but also the country of a man that lightened the heavy matters of politics.
The following are the 10 things Kenyans will miss about the flamboyant politician.
1. Choir master
Leading the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) supporters in singing Bado Mapambano in political rallies is one of the most memorable attributes of Kajwang. He was so refined in this art that during one meeting in Kasarani, he led the anthem with the backing of a full band. Because of his penchant for this corrupted gospel tune, he was popularly known as Bwana Mapambano.
2. Bare knuckle debate
Kajwang’ was known for engaging his political rivals in bare knuckle debates in which he would often unleash unapologetic salvos. Many Kenyans will remember him at a popular radio show called Crossfire where alongside the late Mutula Kilonzo, he kept listeners glued with his jagged-edge arguments.
3. Humour
Friends and foes agree that whenever Kajwang’ stood on a podium, he would unleash a phrase or statement that would leave his audience in stitches. That he was never short of humourous sound bites is testified by the fact that he was a regular subject of after-news satires like Bull’s Eye.
4. Political charisma
The senator was among the few politicians in Kenya who could easily pass as charismatic, given his ability to charge crowds during rallies at Uhuru Park and other venues.
5. Elephantine presence
Standing at more over six feet, the Homa Bay senator commanded a presence whenever he walked into a room, or a political podium. Many, especially those from his party, will definitely miss this intimidating quality.
6. Broad smile
He was among those politicians whose face was always contorted in a smile, regardless of the situation or topic of discussion. Whether he was condemning the government or praising his party leader, Kajwang’s face was always curved into a sometimes sardonic grin meant to express joy or taunt his opponents.
7. Easy-going
Those who interacted with him on a personal level say that he was an easy going character who could strike a conversation with any stranger, a trait that might have played a role in the success of his seventeen-year-old political career.
8. Literally fighting for his beliefs
Besides being a fiery debater, Kajwang’ was also an aggressive man who didn’t hesitate to get physical with those who crossed his path. A case in point is an incident in 2001 when he engaged former Embakasi MP, the late David Mwenje, with the latter coming out the worse for wear.
9. Public appetite
Unlike many polished politicians who are hesitant to take a bite publicly either for fear of embarrassment or poisoning, Kajwang was captured on television in many occasions comfortably tucking in generous helpings of ugali and fish or matumbo in joints like Burma or during funerals in his Homa Bay County.
10. Ardent Arsenal fan
Kenyan Arsenal fans will miss this ardent fan who never shied from expressing his frustrations on social media whenever the team lost its winning ways.
“Arsenal will kill me one day. Pressure,” one of his tweets declared when Arsenal narrowly beat Turkish side Besiktas to qualify for the European Champions League.
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