Lawyer Evans Monari eulogised as bright legal mind
Evans Nyakundi
Members of the legal fraternity and political leaders yesterday paid glowing tribute to lawyer Evans Monari, who was laid to rest at his Nyamira home.
Colleagues and family mourned Monari, who was among President Uhuru Kenyatta’s lawyers as a brilliant legal man, great father and husband with a taste for finer things in life.
President Uhuru, ODM leader Raila Odinga and Chief Justice Martha Koome mourned Monari as a distinguished lawyer and scholar, whose services will be greatly missed.
Monari was buried at Riakumba village, Kitutu Masaba constituency in Nyamira in a ceremony attended by top lawyers from across East Africa, judges of the Supreme Court, Appeal and High courts as well political leaders.
In his message of condolence read by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, Uhuru said death had robbed the country of a lawyer who served all Kenyans irrespective of their social and political status.
Exemplary services
He said Monari was a celebrated and admired Kenyan, who provided exemplary services and touched the heart of many.
“The country deeply recognises the role he has played as a distinguished professional lawyer.
He was humorous and had no class of people he interacted with,” he said.
Amani National Congress party leader Musalia Mudavadi said the deceased was a professional and above tribal ranking.
“Every time I met him, Monari was always cheerful and humorous in our every discussion,” Mudavadi told mourners.
Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetangula also mourned Monari as a colleague who did his job with due diligence.
The lawyer’s mother, Teresa Bosibori, described him as a uniting figure.
“We have lost a great son who united our extended family. I urge his friends to continue mentoring his children,” said Bosibori.
His widow, Jackline, mourned him as a loving husband and friend.
In his condolence message, Koome said: “Monari was a trusted and honest lawyer who I have worked with.
We were together in the ‘87 class and his leadership skills were demonstrated all through,” said the Chief Justice.
Her statement was read by Supreme Court judge Justice Isaac Lenaola.
Supreme Court judge William Ouko spoke on behalf of Monari’s classmates. Other judges present include Patrick Kiage and Lucy Waithaka.
Justice Ouko said his departed colleague was one of the great minds the legal fraternity had lost.
The legal fraternity, led by Law Society of Kenya President Nelson Havi said the death of Monari was not only a big blow to the Kisii community but also the whole country.
Havi described Monari as a team player and trusted lawyer, who was not only offering legal services within the country but internationally.
The LSK President said Monari had in many occasions represented the council in many forums because of his experience and professionalism when it came to discharging his duties.
Cabinet Secretaries Eugene Wamalwa (Defence) and his Industrialisation counterpart Betty Maina attended the funeral but were not given a chance to speak.
Gusii leaders, who included governors James Ongwae (Kisii) Amos Nyaribo (Nyamira), Kisii Senator Sam Ongeri and Members of the County Assembly eulogised Monari, saying his death was a big loss to the community.
ODM politicians used the occasion to drum up support for Raila’s presidential bid.
Close friend
ODM Treasurer Timothy Bosire asked mouners to throw their bid behind Raila.
Bosire who represented Raila in the funeral said Monari was a close friend, saying his untimely death had robbed the community and the country a brilliant and distinguished lawyer.
Ongeri cautioned the Gusii community not to make political mistakes of voting any other person other than Raila.
“I am asking you Kisii’s to follow our footsteps over who should be the next president.
As your leaders we cannot mislead you to vote for a person who cannot win the seat come next year’s General Election,” Ongeri stated.
Ongwae called on the residents to register as voters, since this would give them a high bargaining power with other communities when it comes to the battle for the seat of presidency.
Monari leaves behind a widow and four children.
