Africa-Press – Kenya. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has paid a heartfelt tribute to his late brother, Mwalimu James Mukhwana Wetang’ula, describing him as a dear friend, trusted adviser, and a man deeply rooted in the Catholic faith.
Speaking during the burial ceremony held at the family home in Tuuti, Kibabii, Bungoma County, Wetang’ula said the loss had plunged the family into deep grief but noted that they remained united and determined to carry forward Mukhwana’s values and legacy.
“I fondly remember James as a dear friend, an adviser, a confidant and a man rooted in the Catholic faith, a value he instilled in all of us,” Wetang’ula said. “I am grateful that my brother left after living a good and dignified life.”
Mukhwana was the firstborn son of Mzee Dominic Khaemba Wetang’ula and the late Mama Anna Wetang’ula.
He was a twin brother to Virginia Mulongo Sikhoya and a sibling to Dorothy Watila, Mary Ongamo, Scolastica Opemo, Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi, Fred Wetang’ula and Speaker Wetang’ula.
A retired teacher, Mukhwana lived a life largely out of the public spotlight, earning respect within the community through his quiet service and dedication to education.
While his brothers, Speaker Wetang’ula and MP Tim Wanyonyi, have held prominent public roles, family members said Mukhwana chose a humble path dedicated to mentoring young people and serving society.
Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi described the loss as deeply painful and unsettling for the family, noting that Mukhwana had been a steady pillar and a source of guidance.
Casket bearing the body of National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula’s late brother, Mwalimu James Mukhwana, during his burial in Tuuti, Kibabii, Bungoma County/HANDOUTMukhwana’s death marks the second major loss for the family within a year. In late December 2024, the Wetang’ula family laid to rest their matriarch, Mama Anne Nanyama Wetang’ula, following a prolonged illness.
Her burial attracted national attention, with senior government leaders in attendance, and she was widely celebrated for raising a generation of leaders and serving her community with quiet strength.
During Mukhwana’s burial ceremony, Wetang’ula also used the occasion to call for unity among leaders and residents of the Western region, urging them to work together towards regional transformation.
He reaffirmed President William Ruto’s commitment to reviving stalled infrastructure projects, including the rehabilitation of key sugar factories such as Nzoia Sugar Company.
“Let us live by the words of John F. Kennedy: ask not what your country has done for you, but what you have done for your country,” Wetang’ula said.
He thanked mourners for their support, noting that the family’s grief had been eased by the overwhelming love, kindness and solidarity shown during their time of loss.
