President William Ruto and his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua on Wednesday paid a glowing tribute to the founder of the Jubilee Christian Church (JCC), Televangelist Bishop Allan Kiuna.
Bishop Kiuna died last week after a long battle with multiple myeloma cancer.
Gachagua highlighted the government's plan to introduce a State-funded health insurance scheme for Kenyans suffering from chronic diseases like cancer.
He added that the government is investing in medical equipment to help in early Cancer diagnosis management.
"Cancer is devastating to any family in terms of emotions and finances. We have made interventions as a government to come up with an insurance scheme to cover chronic illnesses because the cost of treating cancer out of the country is beyond many families," Gachagua said.
He commended Reverend Kathy Kiuna for taking care of the Bishop during his illness.
Citing personal experience of taking care of his late brother former Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua, who also died of cancer, the Deputy President said this viral disease has drained many families emotionally and financially.
He explained that the new insurance policy will transform the healthcare sector, save lives and empower communities and families by reducing the financial burden.
"Today many families have harambees every weekend trying to raise millions of shillings to support their loved ones suffering from cancer. But I am encouraged that now we have equipment," he said.
"Health facilities like Kenyatta University Referral Hospital have installed a PET scan, which was only available outside the country several years ago. We have equipment that can help with early diagnosis because cancer ailments if detected early can be managed."
He eulogised Bishop Kiuna as a visionary religious and transformational leader, who touched the lives of many people through his kindness.
"Bishop Kiuna was a great man of God. For 25 years he has built a great church with serious membership all over the world. I assure Reverend Kathy of our prayers and solidarity in this difficult moment. Bishop Kiuna has left a very enduring legacy, that Kathy must build on. She is now the vision carrier of JCC Church," Gachagua added.
The DP read the President's condolence message to the family and thousands of mourners in Thindigua, Kiambu County.
In the President's condolence message, the Head of State eulogised the late Bishop as a "firm faith leader whose sermons were stimulating, authentic and targeted".
"I have lost a true friend and an extraordinary man of God. Bishop Kiuna was a General of the word of God, who founded the Jubilee Christian Church. He was a firm faith leader whose sermons were stimulating, authentic and targeted. Beyond the pulpit, he was focused, hardworking and played the lead role in uplifting the needy," the President said.
Gachagua, who was accompanied by his Spouse Pastor Dorcas and other leaders, further said that the fight against illicit brews and drugs abuse will continue uninterrupted. He asked politicians to stay away from the exercise.
Leaders present at the burial serve included Nominated Senator Veronica Maina and MPs Anne Wamuratha (Kiambu Woman Representative), Sabina Chege (Nominated), Peter Salasya (Mumias East) and Amos Mwago (Starehe).
Former MPs Cate Waruguru and Margaret Wanjiru were also present.
