NAIROBI, February 16, 2021 – We have learnt with shock and horror the untimely passing of Hon Senator Yusuf Haji, Garissa Senator. Untimely because few could be better suited to Chair the Building Bridges Taskforce than Hon. Haji. Yet, Allah has taken him from us when the BBI constitutional push is on fever pitch.
‘Mr PC’, as some of us his colleagues in the 8th Parliament would call him, was a most likeable person. Always calm, composed and welcoming, he barely displayed the demeanour reminiscent of most ‘Big Men’ – that he was! When we approached him, as members of the Dialogue Contact Group that precipitated the ‘Handshake’, he was amenable, unassuming and receptive as ever. Only the aura of his Senate Office at KICC would remind you that you are now entering a ‘high office’. Though himself a Muslim leader and Sheikh, he made the 2 top most Clergy I was with, Head and Deputy of the Inter-Religious Council (IRCK) both Christians, feel extremely relaxed and at home.
He brooded no boundaries, age, religion or standing in society notwithstanding. We lose him at a time when pacifiers and those who cut across are most needed. Who could have better facilitated a ‘Super Handshake’ among the 3 current top-most politicians in the country that are almost driving the country back to abyss than Senator Haji! Perhaps in his honour, they should all retreat, call a ceasefire and allow Kenyans to seize this constitutional moment to birth consensual, people-centric reforms. May the Almighty comfort his family, relatives, colleagues and friends.
Dr Shem Ochuodho
Chairperson, KDA
PS: KDA is a Founding Member of the African Diaspora Alliance (AfDA – under formation), and also through its business arm, Diaspora Investments Club (DICL), Member and Representative of EAST Africa Region in the AU Economic Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC).
