Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala led a host of Mombasa leaders in mourning his eldest brother Sheikh Salim Balala who passed away due to a long illness.  

Speaking at the Kikowani Cemetery during the burial, Balala said his brother who worked as an assistant minister in the first president of Kenya Jomo Kenyatta cabinet was as a humble person who nurtured many.

“Shaikh Salim was a nominated member of parliament from 1964 and he was then appointed in 1966 to 1974 as assistant minister for finance and economic planning and then later appointed chairman of the National assurance so he was in the government for a long time,” said Balala.

Balala said Salim who died at the age of 84 played was an inspiration to him and other many leaders who emulated his leadership style. The deceased was prayed at the Masjid Shibu in Mwembe Tayari during the 10 am prayers and later laid to rest at Kikowani Cemetery in Mvita.

 “I was too young when he went to politics, I joined politics in 2002,so I got inspiration from his honesty and integrity and his commitment to serve the country during his time, is among the people who fought for this country and served under Jomo Kenyatta,” Balala said.

The late was the father to Taufiq Balala who is the current Mombasa county executive minister of transport public works and infrastructure.

Former Mombasa governor Hassan Joho said Mombasa was privileged to have visionary leaders who opened the political path for many young leaders.

“He was the first leader to sprout in Mombasa, and he will be remembered for his contribution to nurturing young politicians, as Mombasa we have lost an elder and we want to condole with the family,” said Joho.

Some of the leaders who attended the burial include, Kaloleni Mp Paul Katana, Mombasa speaker Kharub Katri, Mombasa senator Mohamed Faki, Mombasa businessman Mohammed Jafar, former Mombasa mayor Ahmed Mohdhar and Coast regional coordinator John Elungata who delivered president Uhuru Kenyatta’s message of eulogy among others.

 In his condolence message, President Kenyattta described Salim as a great leader who had a clear vision for the country’s growth and development.

“In this hour of great sorrow and grief, I convey my deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the family, relatives and friends,” Uhuru said.

Uhuru added that Salim was a person of enormous influence and his wise counsel and guidance will be missed by many.

“As we mourn and pay homage to this visionary leader, let us also celebrate his life and achievements.”