National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has opened up on the painful final moments leading to the death of his elder brother, James Mukhwana Wetang’ula, revealing the difficult decisions the family made in a desperate bid to save his life.

Speaking on Friday during the burial ceremony held at Tuuti village in Bungoma County, Wetang’ula recounted how the family weighed medical options as his brother’s condition deteriorated. 

He said he personally arranged for an ambulance with the intention of having James admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), hoping specialised care would stabilise him.

However, the plan was reconsidered after consultation with James’ wife, a trained nurse, who advised that there was little additional intervention the ICU could offer beyond what had already been done at home. 

The family, Wetang’ula said, agreed that it would be more humane for James to remain at home, surrounded by relatives and close friends, rather than being confined to a hospital ward.

“She felt it would be traumatic for him to be alone in ICU, staring at walls, instead of seeing people he loved,” Wetang’ula told mourners.

Later that evening, as James’ condition worsened, the Speaker instructed that he be rushed to the ICU.

Tragically, by the time follow-ups were made, he was informed that his brother had passed on shortly after arrival.

In his emotional tribute, Wetang’ula described James as a calm, peace-loving man who avoided conflict at all costs.

He noted that throughout his life, James never quarreled with anyone and would always walk away when tensions arose.

Wetang’ula also revealed that his brother had once been on the path to priesthood, having studied at Mukumu Seminary before opting out. 

He said the family respected James’ decision to pursue a different life, which later saw him become a teacher, husband and father.

James Mukhwana Wetang’ula’s death, confirmed earlier by Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi, has drawn condolences from leaders and Kenyans across the country, who remembered him as humble, gentle and deeply respected within the community.