Archbishop David Gitari Dies At Mater Hospital Nairobi

The archbishop is largely remembered for his fight for multipartism in Kenya.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has sent condolences to the family and the country.

“We shall remember him for his efforts in championing for political pluralism, an effort that bore fruits and ended the single party rule of independence party – KANU,” said the party Secretary General Anyang’ Nyong’o in a statement.

By GEORGE MUNENE
twitter:@Rubinga2
gamunene@yahoo.com
A sombre mood engulfed the home of the retired outspoken Anglican Church Archbishop, David Gitari following his demise Monday.
At his Difathas village in Kirinyaga county workers were found in a sorrowful mood trying to come to terms with the death of Dr Gitari.
“We learnt the death of our boss with great shock,” one of the workers said as tears rolled down his cheeks.

The workers said they were busy doing their duty when news broke out that their boss who had been hospitalised had succumbed to an illness.
“He had been in the intensive care unit for more than a week but we hoped he would recover.Sadly our hope was shattered when he passed on,” another worker said.
Prior to his death Dr Gitari who died at the age of 75 years was running a posh Philadelphia hotel which is housed within his home compound.
In 1988, Dr Gitari boldly faced off with Kanu regime and was constantly on a collision course with it.

Dr Gitari without fear opposed the infamous queue voting system which had been adopted by Kanu. This system saw the shorter queue defeating the longer one during the Kanu party elections and even during the General election.

At the pulpit, Dr Gitari opposed the system sparking a war of words between him and former President Daniel Moi.
He also called for repeal of section 2A of the constitution to give room for multi-party politics.

Due to his outspokeness he was at one time confronted at the pulpit at the Kerugoya Cathedral by Kanu youths who accused him of being an enemy of the party. They attempted to grab a microphone from him but quick intervention by worshipers saved the situation.

And in 1989, his home was raided by hired goons who wanted to eliminate the Archbishop.But he escaped death narrowly when he climbed to the roof of his Bungalow and raised an alarm.Neighbors responded and scared away the raiders who had broken into Dr Gitari’s resdience.

Immediately after, the raid Dr Gitari said the attack on his home was politically motivated and called on the police to carry out thorough investigations.
The raid was condemned by church leaders across the world forcing President Moi to constitute a commission of inquiry.Todate, the findings of the commission have not been made public.

Dr Gitari was also in the forefront in campaigning for the current constitution. He openly told Kenyans and churches to support the constitution saying it was better than the old one.

Yesterday leaders eulogised Dr Gitari as a true democrat and patriot. “He was one of the few personalities who fought for democracy without fear or favour,” Kirinyaga Central Mp Gachoki Gitari said.

Former councilor Mureithi Kang’ara said Dr Gitari was a hero who will be remembered forever.
“He fought for the rights of the poor and spoke against corruption which was then deeply rooted in all sectors of the economy,” he said.
Anglican priest Samuel Kanjobe said Dr Gitari was a towering pillar in the Church and the country and deserved to be honoured even in his death.