Ritered Chief Justice David Maraga and Ruben Kigame speaking during a burial at Nguu/Masumba. Photo by Andrew Mbuva 
By Andrew Mbuva and Ryan Mumo
Politics took centre stage at the burial of Emali business icon Jackson Mulei at Nguu/Masumba Ward, Makueni County, where two 2027 presidential hopefuls — former Chief Justice David Maraga and Gospel Artist Reuben Kigame — used the event to share their visions for Kenya’s future.
Speaking during the ceremony, Justice (Rtd) David Maraga said his decision to attend was to condole with the bereaved family, who are related to his close friend Prof. Kivutha Kibwana, but he did not shy away from addressing the state of the nation.
“Our country is heading in the wrong direction. We want to restore law and order and make Kenya a country that works for all,” said Maraga.
“Corruption has destroyed our nation. It’s the reason our universities are on strike, our hospitals are failing, and our schools are in chaos. If we unite and fight corruption, Kenya will prosper because this is not a poor country.”
On his part, Reuben Kigame — also vying for the presidency — captured the crowd’s attention with a symbolic message, calling on Kenyans to “try a blind leader” in 2027.
“I don’t like doing politics at funerals, but I ask for your prayers because the time has come for Kenya to try a blind president,” said Kigame. “The problem with our leaders is their eyes. Greed comes from what they see — land, money, power. When they see it, they snatch it. Maybe it’s time for a leader who leads with vision, not sight.”
Prof. Kivutha Kibwana, the former Makueni Governor, cautioned the presidential hopefuls that unseating President William Ruto in 2027 would not be easy unless the opposition remains united.
“President Ruto is not a pushover. If you think defeating him will be simple, you’re mistaken. The opposition must unite like in 2002 if we are to succeed,” said Kibwana. “We all want a country free from corruption and impunity, but unity is the only way to achieve it.”
Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior, who also addressed the mourners, echoed Kibwana’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of unity, peaceful politics, and devolution.
“We in the Wiper Democratic Movement have declared Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka as our presidential candidate, but we must ensure that the politics we practice are peaceful and centered on unity,” Mutula said. “Devolution remains the future of Kenya. We must have leaders who protect it and not suppress it as the current administration has done.”
Mutula also commended Maraga for his continued service to justice and for inspiring young lawyers to stand up for the vulnerable.
The event, meant to celebrate the life of the late Jackson Mulei, turned into a platform where national political aspirations and calls for integrity, unity, and good governance dominated the discourse — offering a glimpse into the tone of Kenya’s fast-approaching 2027 elections.
