Moses Malulu Injendi was more than just a politician—he was a man driven by an unshakable passion for education and an unwavering commitment to helping the less fortunate.

His life and legacy were celebrated in heartfelt tributes from family, friends, fellow legislators, and constituents during his requiem mass at St Catherine of Alexandria, South C, Nairobi, Saturday.

The late Malava MP, who died on Monday, 17th February, at the age of 58 while receiving treatment at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, will be laid to rest on Tuesday next week. His body will be flown from Wilson Airport, Nairobi, to Kisumu tomorrow before being transported to his home in Lukusi village, Malava, Kakamega County, for burial.

According to his eulogy, Malulu succumbed to cardiac arrest at 5:40 pm due to multiple organ failure.

His dedication to education was evident throughout his career, serving as the Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Committee on Education until his passing.

Cabinet Secretary for Health Deborah Barasa paid tribute to Malulu, describing him as a father figure, mentor, and leader, particularly for young professionals in the Luhya community.

“I am pleased that, as one MP said, Malulu set aside politics to focus on serving the people. He prayed, read his rosary, and provided guidance. We have lost a great leader—someone who championed the rights of the underprivileged, supported education, and gave generously,” said Baraza.

She added: “May the Lord comfort his family during these difficult times. We also pray that his four sons may carry on his legacy—not just for Malava but for Kenya and the world at large.”

Baraza urged political leaders to embrace a people-centric approach, highlighting that many Kenyans struggle to afford medical care.

“I call upon all leaders to unite and rally behind Universal Health Coverage (UHC), ensuring that no one is left behind,” she stated.

Her remarks followed a pointed response from Kakamega Senator Bony Khalwale, who criticised the implementation of the Social Health Authority (SHA), arguing that it was failing many Kenyans.

“There is a problem. I watch you on TV struggling to explain SHA and the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF),” Khalwale said, drawing applause from mourners.

He added: “Minister, that outcry is not going to stop. In fact, you’re lucky you’re only facing it on TV. On the ground, people are deeply dissatisfied with how the programme is being rolled out.”

Khalwale acknowledged the potential benefits of SHA but urged the Cabinet Secretary to push for increased government funding.

“Tell your colleagues that the UK’s UHC succeeds because of substantial national government funding. You cannot expect to run UHC effectively on Sh300 or Sh500 contributions from programme members. MPs, you control the budget. This year, the Health Ministry has Sh134.4 billion—ensure that at least 50% of it goes to SHA to provide financial stability.”

He warned that if funds were channelled to counties, governors might divert them to other projects, leaving hospitals underfunded and patients without essential medicine and treatment.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula eulogised Malulu as a man of integrity—non-combative, yet steadfast in achieving his goals.

“He was a man of his word—once he committed, he never wavered. He was deeply invested in education, and at times, I even assumed he had been a teacher,” Wetang’ula remarked in a speech read by Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba.

Milemba recalled that Malulu, a two-term MP, was constantly engaged in parliamentary matters, bringing forward numerous Bills, petitions, and statements focused on education.

“He was always on the move—either heading to his village or back to Nairobi,” he said.

Malulu’s wife, Betty Musonye Malulu, described him as a loving, caring, and generous husband.

“When we got married, we were poor children of Injendi and Musonye. No wonder you saw him helping others. Just last October, he built a house for a mentally ill person who had been sleeping on the streets. That’s just one example of his kindness,” she said.

She added: “He filled my life with love, laughter, and purpose. He was a man of integrity, kindness, and devotion—not just to me but to everyone fortunate enough to know him.”

Their firstborn son, Rhyan Malulu, shared an emotional tribute: “My father and friend, losing you is the most painful thing to comprehend. Thank you for being an exemplary role model. You taught us humility, selflessness, patience, discipline, and diligence.”

Adrian Malulu, his youngest son, praised his father’s punctuality, particularly in attending Amani National Congress (ANC) meetings.

Seventh Clerk of the National Assembly, Samuel Njoroge, remembered Malulu as an approachable and prayerful man.

“He was a devoted family man. He even proposed a motion to reduce marriage registration costs and ensure registrar offices were established in every county to make it easier for people to get married, including those who preferred church weddings,” Njoroge noted.