July 12 1969: Mr. Tom Joseph Odhiambo Mboya, the assassinated Kenya Minister, is laid to rest in a grave on his father’s homestead here amid scenes of unparalleled mourning. Thousands jammed Rusinga Island, a mile offshore in Lake Victoria to bid a last farewell to the 38-year-old Mr. Mboya. Loud wailing and sounds of funeral drums filled the air when his body was buried. Countless thousands of people had gathered at the home of the late Minister since yesterday and more arrived on the island by ferry and in boats. At the graveside Bishop Maurice Otunga of Kisii celebrated a Requiem Mass at 3 p.m., five hours behind schedule. At the same time, Luo priests held their own service. The Leader of the Opposition Kenya People’s Union, Mr. Oginga Odinga was among the vast crowd of mourners. Mr. Mboya’s brother, Mr. Alphonse Okuku, his widow. Mrs. Pamela Mboya and her children, Mr. Mboya’s aged, parents, Cabinet Ministers and senior Government officials were also there. The grave was dug about 20 yards behind the Mboya homestead. It was a peaceful scene with a notable absence of policemen and GSU personnel. As the coffin was being lowered into the grave everyone was in tears.

Photo|Nation Syndication