He inspired my political journey, CS Balala eulogises brother

Najib Balala has attributed his political career to his brother Salim Mohamed Abdallah Balala who was buried Thursday.

The Tourism cabinet secretary said Salim Balala, who died on Wednesday night in Mombasa, was among the first politicians at the Coast to be nominated to Parliament in the 60s.

Sheikh Salim served from 1966 to 1974 in Kenya’s first National Assembly under founding President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.

He was also among the first people from the coastal region to be appointed to the cabinet by Kenyatta. He served as Finance assistant minister from 1966 to 1974.

Speaking at Kikowani Muslim cemetery where Sheikh Salim was interred on Thursday morning, Balala said his elder brother inculcated the virtues of honesty and integrity in him.

“I was too young when he joined politics, but I learned honesty and integrity from him. He taught me about the early leaders and fighters of this country, who were all committed and patriotic to this country,” Balala said.

He said his brother was among the first people who fought for Kenya’s independence.

Salim was an active politician from 1966-1974, whereas CS Balala joined politics in 2002.

“Many have described him as a man of integrity, these are what we hear and get inspiration from,” he said.

Balala said his brother battled illness for the last 15 years before he breathed his last on Wednesday night at the Premier Hospital in Nyali. 

He died at the age of 84.

“Allah took him. He knows best and saved him from the pain of the long illness for around 15 years. Ours is to pray for him. May Allah grants him Jannatul Firdaus(the highest level of heaven). Inna lillahi wa Inna ilayhi raji'un(Verily we belong to Allah and verily to him do we return).” Balala said. 

Outgoing Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho led Mombasa politicians who turned up to lay Salim to rest at the Kikowani cemetery.

Funeral prayers were held at Shibu Mosque - Mwembe Tayari, Mombasa.

Joho said Salim’s contribution to society was immense, saying he served Kenya diligently and was able to bring up a formidable family that has transformed the region’s politics.

“He is among the first leader from the Coast to get into national politics and served very well. He brought up a very good formidable family that we have today. Mine is to just say pole to his family,” Joho told the media.

Earlier on, Joho described Salim as a gallant son of Mombasa in a Facebook post he shared.

“On behalf of the people of Mombasa I extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire Balala Family and it is our prayer that the Almighty Allah SWT grant him Jannatul Firdaus. Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un,” Joho posted.

Salim is the father to Salaah Balala, Abdallah Balala, Mombasa county Transport executive Taufiq Balala, Mohammed Balala and three other daughters.

He is a brother to Hussein Balala, Talal Balala, Jalal Balala, Abdulnasser Balala, Najib Balala and three other girls.

President Uhuru Kenyatta also mourned Salim.

In his message of condolence to the family, the Head of State described Salim as a great leader who had a clear vision for the country’s growth and development.

He noted that death has robbed the nation of an astute and progressive leader who played a key role in laying the foundation for the country’s socio-economic development.

“In this hour of great sorrow and grief, I convey my deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the family, relatives, and friends.” 

Uhuru added that Salim was a person of enormous influence and his wise counsel and guidance will be missed by many.

“As we mourn and pay homage to this visionary leader, let us also celebrate his life and achievements," Uhuru said.

The President prayed to God to give the family of the former assistant minister the fortitude and courage to bear the painful loss.

(Edited by Tabnacha O)

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