23/08/2026
Rigathi Gachagua to meet with retired President Uhuru Kenyatta today.
On this day in 2003, a dark cloud fell over the Luhya nation. The sad news came through the airwaves of KBC, breaking into homes, trading centres, markets and villages across the country: Michael Christopher Wamalwa Kijana was no more.
Moments later, President Mwai Kibaki addressed the nation, deeply shaken by the loss of his vice President and close friend. He mourned Wamalwa as a man of integrity, brilliance, humility and unmatched charm, a true statesman whose loss was felt far beyond Western Kenya.
For the Luhya nation, it was as if the sun had stopped. From Bungoma to Busia, Kitale to Kakamega, Vihiga to Trans Nzoia, grief swept across the region. Markets fell silent, homes were filled with tears and an entire community mourned a leader whose political influence had brought Western Kenya together.
Wamalwa was not just a politician. He was a political phenomenon.
Under his leadership, FORD-Kenya became a powerful political vehicle that united Western Kenya and produced an impressive wave in the 2002 General Election. Many leaders who later became household names rode on the political wave that Wamalwa created. He helped place Western Kenya firmly at the centre of national politics and left behind a political legacy that remains deeply remembered.
But Wamalwa died when his journey to the highest office in the land was still unfinished.
The Luhya nation has always carried the story of Masinde Muliro, who fell on the way during his journey to State House. Wamalwa Kijana, however, fell at the very doorsteps of State House.
But hope remains.
The dream of seeing a Luhya son walk through the gates of State House did not die with Kijana Wamalwa. Today Across the Luhya community, there is renewed hope that the journey Wamalwa started will finally be completed ... not in 2032, but in 2027.
And that is why this memorial is not only about remembering the past. It is also a moment to look into the future with hope and determination.
TODAY ALL ROADS LEAD TO KITALE.
The Luhya nation and friends of Kijana Wamalwa will gather in Kitale for the memorial service to honour the late leader and celebrate his enduring legacy.
The Chief Guest will be former President Uhuru Kenyatta, with Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Edwin Sifuna and Fred Matiangβi among the other national leaders expected to attend.
The event will be jointly hosted by Eugene Wamalwa, the DAP-K Party Leader, and H.E George Natembeya, the Governor of Trans Nzoia.
As Kijana Wamalwa is remembered, his courage, vision and political journey will remain a powerful part of Western Kenya's history.
Wamalwa may have left the stage, but the journey continues.
Continue Resting in peace our Legend and hero Michael Christopher Wamalwa Kijana. Your dream lives on.