Former East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) member Abubakar Zein was laid to rest in Nairobi on Thursday, only hours after his death.
Zein was buried at Langata Muslim Cemetery in accordance with Islamic traditions, which generally encourage the deceased to be buried as soon as reasonably possible, preferably within 24 hours of death.
The former lawmaker died on Thursday morning at Avenue Hospital in Nairobi, where he had been receiving medical treatment after undergoing surgery.
His death came just two days after the Kenya Human Rights Commission held a fundraising concert aimed at supporting him with his medical expenses, which had reportedly continued to increase.
Family members, friends, political leaders and Muslim religious figures gathered at the cemetery to bid Zein farewell. His close relatives, including his sons, participated in the final burial rites conducted according to Islamic customs.
Several prominent leaders attended the funeral, among them Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga and EALA member Kennedy Kalonzo.
Speaking before the burial, Kalonzo Musyoka described Zein as a courageous and principled public servant who put the interests of the country ahead of personal considerations.
Kalonzo said Zein contributed to the development of Kenya's 2010 Constitution and played a role in efforts to strengthen governance, although much of his contribution was made away from the public spotlight.
He also recalled Zein's involvement in the Wiper Party after serving as an EALA member between 2012 and 2017.
According to Kalonzo, Zein was committed to supporting and mentoring others regardless of their positions, a quality that earned him respect among both colleagues and members of staff.
Kalonzo conveyed his condolences to Zein's widow, Kashi, and their children, Ibrahim, Zein, Alamin and Khadija. He also prayed for Allah to forgive Zein's shortcomings and grant him eternal peace.
Zein's death has triggered mourning among political leaders, colleagues and members of the public, with tributes highlighting his contribution to Kenya's public service, constitutional affairs and regional leadership.
His same-day burial was in keeping with the Islamic traditions he observed throughout his life.