Politicians eulogise Haji as great leader

President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday led Kenyans in mourning Garissa Senator Yusuf Haji who died on Monday morning after long illness.

Haji, the co-chair of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) task force and Steering Committee, was a long-serving provincial administrator during retired President Moi’s regime.

He died on Monday morning at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi aged 80.

Uhuru described the late senator as a highly accomplished Kenyan leader whose death is a big blow to the country especially in the BBI constitutional reform process where ‘his leadership shall be dearly missed’.

"Mzee Haji was a highly respected leader and elder whose wisdom, deep knowledge of the Kenyan society and long experience as a public administrator enabled him to serve the country in various leadership roles with distinction for many years," he said.

He added: “Mzee Haji was a steward of the BBI process and a strong pillar of our desire to construct a cohesive, peaceful and more progressive Kenyan nation. His stewardship of the initiative shall be missed.”

Deputy President William Ruto termed the late politician a devoted and indefatigable administrator who was cause-driven and championed a united Kenya.

“Senator Mohamed Yusuf Haji was a gifted politician, modest yet strategic schemer with ground-breaking mediation skills. We will fondly remember Honourable Haji as a leader who robustly upheld and reinforced the reputation and integrity of public service,” Ruto said.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga, Wiper boss Kalonzo Musyoka and ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi also sent their condolence messages to the family and friends of Haji.

The ODM boss said Kenya has lost a dedicated patriot and a humble servant.

“We can only thank him for the years of his life that he gave in service of our country, his last great public passion being the Building Bridges Initiative. At this sad moment, we stand in prayers with his family that carries on with his passion for public service,” the Opposition chief said.

Kalonzo noted that Haji will be remembered as a great career administrator and Cabinet minister who gave his all for the country.

“As a senator, he served the people of Garissa with utmost dedication. His contribution to the BBI will never be forgotten,” Kalonzo said.

Mudavadi described Haji as a hardworking, humble and patriotic servant whose service will be dearly missed.

Nyandarua Governor Francis Kimemia said Haji’s role in the BBI makes him an indelible change-agent in the country’s history.

“A very loyal, patriotic, decent and honourable gentleman and results-focused administrator and leader, full of integrity, charisma and admirable development record across Kenya,” Kimemia said.

The governor said Haji contributed in uplifting and lobbying more resources for whole of Northeastern. Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i said few Kenyan leaders can match Haji’s sense of patriotism.

“As chair of committee on National Security, Defense and Foreign Relations I benefited immensely from his authentic and patriotic counsel,” Matiang'i said.

National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi said the late senator was both a personal friend and mentor.

He said Haji leaves a legacy as the go-to man in times of political crisis, a trait that saw him entrusted with steering the constitutional reforms process under the Building Bridges Initiative.

His senate counterpart Kenneth Lusaka who worked under Haji as a District Officer said Haji's transition from public service to politics inspired him to venture into elective politics.

The Council of Governors, also remembered Haji as great statesman and a patriarch who contributed immensely to the unity of the country.

“Mzee Haji was a man of integrity, extremely transparent and accountable to his constituents and the nation at large,” CoG chairman Martin Wambora said.

Edited by Sarah Kanyara