Church and political leaders have described the late Bishop Cornelius Korir
as a unique and gifted worrier of peace.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter said
Korir, who died on Monday morning, was a great man of God.
"He never shied away from saying the truth. That was good for the country," he said during the service in Eldoret.
Keter noted
President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto will attend the burial on November 11 after a service at Sacred Heart Cathedral.
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Uasin Gishu
Governor Jackson Mandago said the Bishop
helped his county to stabilise at the start of devolution.
"Counties in this region are great beneficiaries of Korir's peace work," he said, adding the late started many schools and colleges.
Former Minister Linah Kilimo said Korir played a key role in restoring peace between communities in Kerio Valley.
"He restored peace between two clans in Elgeyo Marakwet within three days because of his powerful prayers," she said.
Korir once stood between fighting groups in the 2007/8 violence and
said he was ready to die to save others.
Bullets were fired at his car in Pokot and Marakwet but he continued preaching peace in the area.
Farouk Kibet, who is Ruto's personal assistant, said the Bishop was humble and mingled easily with people of all classes.
Ambassador Julius Bitok who serves in Pakistan, Soy MP Caleb Kostany, Deputy Governor Daniel Chemno, Belgut MP Nelson Koech, Uasin Gishu woman representative Gladys Shollei and former minister Henry Kosgey also attended the service.
Kosgey said that during his case at the International Criminal Court, Korir advised him to rely on God.
He added Korir housed many victims of the 2007/8 post-election violence at his church in Eldoret and did not seek recognition because he was humble.
"He helped the needy without caring about his own welfare."
Nyeri Archbishop Anthony Muheria also said Korir was humble and soft-spoken but so courageous that he was ready to die for peace.
Muheria said Korir pursued justice and peace and that he always believed all problems had solutions.
"He was a man full of energy and power but always passed for an ordinary man."
He added the Bishop faced many challenges but never stopped having faith in God.