By Betty Luke
Meru and Isiolo leaders have promised to ensure the late National Council of Elders chair Phares Rutere, who was buried at his BBC home last Thursday, is honoured for his immense contribution in the development and unity of the two counties.
Speaking during Rutere’s burial at his BBC home during the weekend, the leaders mourned him as a great patriot who strived for the betterment of the region and the country at large.
Meru County Assembly Speaker Joseph Kaberia asked the County Awards Act committee, constituted recently, to consider late Rutere while honouring heroes and heroines from the region.
“I request the committee to honour him as a true patriot of the region and for his huge contribution in the community’s development,” said Mr Kaberia while requesting that one of the Meru town streets be named after him.
His sentiments were echoed by Isiolo Deputy Governor Dr Abdi Issa who said the county would honor the late Rutere by either naming a street or erecting a monument in his remembrance for spearheading peace efforts in the region and ensuring communities in Isiolo lived in peace.
“We will honor mzee for his endless effort in agitating for peaceful coexistence among our communities,” said Dr Issa.
National Council of Elders treasurer Ahmed Sett, who doubles as Isiolo Interfaith chair, urged communities to live in peace saying it was the only way of ensuring that Rutere’s legacy lives on.
“We need to live in peace and harmony as a sign of respect to the fallen peace soldier. There is need for Isiolo and Meru to honour the partriach,” said Mr Sett.
