FORMER ASSISTANT MINISTER HAS DIED – REST IN PEACE MHESHIMIWA

Some men are born into aristocracy. Their blood is royal red and they have their destiny mapped even before they are born. Their path towards success is already set and so is the burden of huge responsibility. While their achievements are celebrated, it is for a duty well executed not because of rising above the odds.

That is not how Kalembe Ndile will be remembered. As a young boy growing up in dry parts of Ukambani he never thought he would achieve all he did in his lifetime. Poverty drove him into despair and to his admission he dallied a bit with highway robbery before realizing he can serve the community in a right way. He joined politics and became an MCA known those times as councillors. He was an activist that saw him brush the wrong way with President Moi even at his lowly elected position.

When KANU was heading to its twilight years, Kalembe dared to dream again. This time he aimed at a seat that was once occupied by Agnes Ndetei the iron lady. His fierce competitor at that time was Onesmus Mboko running under Nyachae’s Ford party. Kalembe was vying under Narc led by Mwai Kibaki. He won resoundingly and served the people of Kibwezi Constituency at the August House between 2002-2007.

He was the first MP in the constituency to get CDF Kitty and boy he set a trend with it. Many schools and churches during the five years he was in power got a facelift. Up to date, it seems all MPs now read from the blueprint he set. When Kalonzo fell out with Kibaki after 2005 elections, there was a cabinet purge. Kalembe had remained loyal to the president and he was greatly rewarded. He was appointed assistant minister of tourism and wildlife.

Kalembe had a political tussle in 2007 with Kalonzo in which he lost. Instead of joining popular Wiper Party, he formed his own party Tip Tip and fought to retain his seat. He lost to Prof Kaloki who would become Mp for the time between 2007-2013.

In 2013, Kibwezi Constituency was split into two – East and West. Kalembe contested for the third time this time at Kibwezi West where he lost to Musimba. Before his demise, he has been active in Kenyan politics and was recently appointed by President Uhuru Kenyatta to Tanaathi water body.

You will be missed Kalembe Ndile. You showed the country that anyone can dare to dream and actualize on it. You put Kibwezi somewhere on the map through your support of education system. Yours is a story of a peasant who rose to be a King. You showed that everyone can sit on a throne and it’s not a reserve for few. Thyumua nesa ndongoi ya Ukamba.