• Koinange was a grandson of Mbiyu wa Koinange and worked as a civil servant before he ventured into politics and won the MP seat in 2013 and 2017.
• He died on March 31 while undergoing treatment for Covid-19 complications.
Image: FILE
Lawmakers took a brief break from normal business scheduled for the Wednesday sittings to pay tribute to departed Kiambaa MP Paul Koinange.
They eulogised the MP as one who was dedicated to his duties and did not discriminate whenever he was approached with issues requiring his attention.
Koinange was a grandson of Mbiyu wa Koinange and worked as a civil servant before he ventured into politics and won the MP seat in 2013 and 2017.
He died on March 31 while undergoing treatment for Covid-19 complications.
Limuru MP Peter Mwathi eulogised Koinange as “a chairman of sorts not only at Security committee but also as chair of Prayer Breakfast and BBI express.”
“We worked very closely in the campaign where we sought to ensure people understand the BBI,” the MP said.
Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali said Koinange was a very close friend whom he worked closely with.
The MP said it was unfortunate Paul died the way he did. “Sometimes we get disturbed. If I had an opportunity to pick people who should go, we have many candidates. Koinange was a good man and a serious Christian,” Washiali said.
“He was friendly to everybody. Even in his position of chair of BBI express, his expression of BBI was not like we see here,” Washiali added.
Imenti South MP Murungi Kathuri described the late as a servant leader who worked for the people of Kiambaa and this country with a lot of zeal.
“Most of us who were scared that death can follow a good leader like Koinange. He was a peace lover and very hardworking. I visited his constituency and people were happy with his work,” the Special Funds committee chairman said.
Deputy speaker Cheboi Moses said Koinange was a member of the liaison committee who could only fail to come when doing other official duties outside Nairobi.
“He was a very religious person. He was co-chair of the prayer breakfast. He used his position to foster prayer in the House,” Cheboi said.
Mavoko MP Patrick Makau said: “He could talk to everybody. He carried himself with decorum. Age is never kind. I know the people of Kiambaa will miss their legislator.”
Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe (Majority Whip) said Koinange was a swift person, was quick to accept calls, and would help me whip members to attend to parliamentary business.
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma said “Parliament would be far if all committee chairs were like Koinange.”
“He recognized leading the committee together with other members. His passed on when we were transacting the Narcotics bill; I would request that we fast track the bill.”
“What I would pray is that the House and the leadership of the nation gives us a chairman who will further the things that Koinange stood for,” Kaluma said.
He added that they had toured 41 counties for meeting with police commanders and were doing a report which targeted fundamental reforms in the police service.
“The report was going to ensure stability in the correctional services, secure stability in the public service commission. May I request that members support us on the matters we will set out in that report,” Kaluma, who served with Koinange in the Security committee, said.
Peter Murungara said: “He was a friend to all of us. He was a very amiable person who was a friend to each member. You would never get a no from him. We have lost a great leader as a country.”
Ainabkoi MP William Chepkut hailed the late as a steadfast statesman who advanced issues in peace and tranquility.
“He was very humble and was very loyal to His Excellency the President. He treasured his work. He was involved in peace, intervention, mediation in Southern Sudan. He served this nation with commitment dedication and devotion,” the MP said.