Ruto keeps off politics, honours Ichung'wah's father's legacy

For the first time in a long while, President William Ruto avoided political rhetoric at a function often used by politicians to trade barbs.

Speaking at the funeral of Isaac Ichung’wah Ngugi, father of National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, President Ruto chose instead to honour the late man’s virtues and values, urging Kenyans to embrace these for the nation’s progress.

Addressing mourners yesterday, President Ruto said, “We must stop the naysayers. Kenya is not a failed state. Kenya is a great nation.”

This was a notable departure from the usual political exchanges that often overshadow family losses during such events.

He anchored his remarks on the late Ngugi’s life and the health challenges he faced at a young age, noting that his administration’s push for universal healthcare is partly inspired by stories, such as Ngugi’s. Hundreds gathered for the burial in Gikambura Village, with police riders leading the funeral procession.

President Ruto described Ngugi as a resilient businessman and an inspiration. “Mzee Ichung’wah was family-focused, honest and generous — qualities we shall always remember. I knew him personally; I have visited him on several occasions and shared nyama choma, his favourite meal,” said Ruto.

Speaking about Ichung’wah, the President described him as a brother and a personal friend who has endured many hardships on his behalf. “Not even my own brother has taken as many bullets as Kimani has on my behalf. I will always stand with him,” he added.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula described the late Ngugi as a well-travelled patriot fluent in at least five languages, thanks to his interactions with various communities during his business ventures. He called on Kenyans, especially the youth, to reject divisive politics and work together for the nation’s prosperity.

“This country belongs to all of us. Let us embrace each other as brothers and sisters and unite for the good of our nation,” Wetang’ula said.

Ichung’wah eulogised his father as a dedicated family man and businessman who respected everyone regardless of tribe. “We shall immortalise Mzee through his kindness and honesty. Though we are saddened by his passing, we will remember and uphold his values,” he said.

The funeral was attended by numerous MPs, governors, senators, cabinet secretaries, and members of county assemblies.

Ngugi passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 4, at his Kikuyu home in Kiambu County.

The family revealed that in his youth, Ngugi was once abandoned in a thicket while ill, left for dead, only to be rescued and cared for by his brother. “It is because of stories like his that we have Universal Health Coverage today, ensuring no Kenyan is left stranded without care,” President Ruto said.

The family also recounted times when hunger was so severe Ngugi wished for death. Acknowledging the ongoing hardships many Kenyans face, Ruto stated his government’s determination to transform agriculture, subsidise production, and remove cartels to achieve food security.

“This year, we expect to harvest 25 million bags of maize, the highest in our nation’s history,” the President announced, pledging to continue transforming agriculture to create jobs and wealth.

The tone of the event was markedly different from the usual political speeches often heard at funerals, with leaders focusing on unity and respect for the deceased.

Other dignitaries attending included Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, as well as governors, lawmakers, and Cabinet Secretaries.

They honoured Ngugi as a selfless, loving, and generous man, encouraging Kenyans to emulate his example to build a better country.

The family remembered Mr Ngugi as a kind-hearted, hardworking, humble man whose multilingual skills endeared him beyond his tribe.

“Please understand why I refuse to engage in ethnic-based politics; it is not the legacy my father left me,” said Ichung’wah.

President Ruto reflected on Ngugi’s life as a symbol of resilience and hard work — rising from orphanhood to become a respected livestock trader and community mentor.

“Isaac is an inspiration. Though orphaned, look what God made of him. Today, I stand here as President of Kenya. We cannot remain a third-world country. We must believe in ourselves and change this nation,” Ruto told mourners.