The family of the former University of Nairobi lecturer Crispin Odhiambo Mbai is still demanding to know the people behind the death of their kin.
Twenty years down the line, the death of the don is still fresh in the minds of the family, relatives and close friends of Mbai who is one of the devolution architects.
Mbai was murdered on September 14, 2003, by suspected hitmen who found him in his house in Nairobi.
At the time of his death, Mbai was the chairman of the devolution committee at the constitutional conference at the Bomas.
He played a key role in the negotiations as they pushed for Kenyans to have a new constitution.
Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) report revealed that Mbai was killed because of his political view about devolution.
However, those behind his death have not yet been revealed.
It is against this backdrop that his relatives at his home in Masakla village in Homa Bay Town constituency are still longing to know the identity of the killers.
His wife Margaret Odhiambo said the murder incident is still fresh in her mind and demands the government put in public those who killed her husband.
The family has not healed from the pain they had after the lecturer was murdered.
“Twenty years down the line, this family has not yet been accorded justice over the murder. We still want to know the identity of these people because some suspects were arrested and later set free,” Margaret said.
She said life has not been easy for her especially after she was left with the burden of taking care of children including paying their school fees.
During the twentieth anniversary of Mbai’s death, the widow said they have been struggling to bring up their children after her husband died.
According to the family and relatives, Mbai is believed to have been pushing for change that many Kenyans wanted in order to transform the country in governance.
“My husband really wanted a better Kenya where resources are distributed equitably. He died without realising this dream,” she added.
Last Friday, the family held a memorial service at their home.
The memorial service was presided over by Rakwaro Catholic Church Seminary Vicar General Fr Gabriel Okinyo and overseen by Homa Bay Diocesan Bishop Michael Odiwa.
Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owili, Mbai’s friend Prof Peter Wanyade, Nyakach politician Okoth Opande, and his Rangwe counterpart Leonard Ochuro were also present.
Owili described the late Mbai as an academic giant who ensured everyone around him acquired education, adding that he sacrificed to make the country realise devolution.
“The county governments we have today came as a result of his fight. We can nowadays have development projects done regardless of political affiliations leaders have,” Owili said.
TJRC had ordered the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to investigate and report on the circumstances, motives and those responsible for the assassination and subsequent cover-up.
The DPP report was to be made public.
Owili asked investigative agencies to undertake their work as directed.
He argued that if Mbai failed to advocate for devolution, Kenyans would have been begging for help from the central government.
“The family needs justice over the murder of their kin just like anybody else. The matter should be pursued to the latter and ensure justice prevails,” Owili added.
Owili proposed that his memorial be done annually and should be spearheaded by governors from the lake region. Mbai was a close ally of Azimio leader Raila Odinga.
He proposed to governors to name some of their facilities after the university don.
"We need to immortalise Mbai as our son. Facilities like roads and libraries should be named after him," he added.
Wayande said the 2010 Constitution which Mbai fought for has faced challenges at the implementation level.
He accused political leaders of failing to commit themselves to implementing the law.
“Kenyans are in a situation where they have the constitution but no constitutionalism. Those who love the new constitution should put more pressure to ensure implementation,” Wayande said.
He challenged leaders to respect the law saying most of them consider themselves as above the law.
Opande said the vision of the late Mbai was a brilliant idea that has ensured all regions are developed.
He called on the government to solve the mysterious deaths of prominent personalities.
“Many Kenyans expect the truth to prevail on the cause and the people behind the murder. We’re commemorating Mbai’s twenty years now with most issues still unresolved,” Opande said.
Ochuro termed Mbai as a hero who should be celebrated during Mashujaa Day.
“County governments have realised their financial autonomy through devolution because of the efforts put in by Mbai. He is a hero worth celebrating,” Ochuro said.