Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has cautioned Kenyans against being swayed by growing social media glorification of military-led governments in Africa.
Mudavadi instead urged Kenyans to uphold the value of democratic civilian leadership.
Speaking during the funeral service of the late Rev. Mildred Ayiemba Wanyama—mother to Kenyan football stars McDonald Mariga and Victor Wanyama, and wife to legendary AFC Leopards midfielder Mzee Noah Wanyama—Mudavadi emphasised that military regimes are not a viable model for governance in Africa.
“Don’t be cheated. A civilian government elected by the
people is better than any military government. A civilian government is better
any day. A government led by a civilian is better than one led by a person with
a gun on his waist,” said Mudavadi.
Addressing mourners in Soy, Uasin Gishu County, the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign and Diaspora Affairs CS dismissed the romanticisation of coups and military takeovers being circulated online, noting that such regimes often lack legitimacy and stability.
He stressed that democratically elected governments represent the will of the people and foster tranquillity, unity, and sustainable peace, in contrast to the military rule which, he said, typically arises through force and undermines established legal frameworks.
“Civilian governments, operating under the rule of law, offer greater freedoms, more inclusive decision-making, and stronger protection of rights. Military governments, on the other hand, bypass these foundations and often govern with repression,” he noted.
Mudavadi urged Kenyans to appreciate and safeguard the freedoms they currently enjoy under a democratic system, stating that such liberties are a key pillar for economic transformation and national development.
“There is a lot of democracy in Kenya. Let us not throw it out of the window. Let us respect and consolidate the democracy here—but let us also respect each other,” he added.
The late Rev. Mildred Wanyama was remembered as a woman of deep spiritual leadership, a nurturing mother, and a beacon of service to her community.
Beyond raising two international football stars—Mariga and Wanyama—her other children, Thomas and Sylvester, also pursued football professionally, while her daughter Mercy Wanyama has excelled in basketball, representing Kenya on the international stage.
The service drew hundreds of mourners, including key political leaders and sports figures. Among those in attendance were Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, MPs David Kiplagat (Soy), George Aladwa (Makadara), Oscar Sudi (Kapseret), and Reuben Kiborek (Mogotio).
Members of Kenya’s sporting fraternity were also present to pay tribute.
