Multitudes bid farewell to selfless cadre
MULTITUDES of Zimbabweans yesterday thronged the National Heroes Acre to pay their last respects to the late national hero Colonel (Retired) Kenny Ridzai Mabuya, an illustrious son of the soil who epitomised self-sacrifice.
The late Col Mabuya was laid to rest among the gallant sons and daughters of the liberation struggle, a befitting honour for one who took up arms as a teenager in pursuit of freedom of the motherland.
His family, comrades-in-arms, and indeed the nation at large expressed profound gratitude to President Mnangagwa and the ruling party for according him the highest honour.
Speaking at the burial of the war combatant, family representative Mr Ndabaningi Mabuya described Col Mabuya as a selfless person whose dedication to serving his country was unmatched.
“Uncle Costa, as our family affectionately knows him, Kenny Ridzai, as he is known to the nation was always a generous person.
“It came as no surprise that he effortlessly, selflessly offered up his whole life to the nation,” he said.
Mr Mabuya said the late national hero was loved by everyone around him as he exuded compassion for others, something that rubbed off even onto his children.
“He was born a leader as his name suggests, charismatic, loving, extremely humble, and sociable. He is survived by all his children who love him deeply,” he said.
Politburo member and colleague to Col Mabuya, Cde Stephanie Mkusha said Col Mabuya was dedicated to serving Zimbabwe with all his heart.
She said even when he had been injured he kept insisting on going to the front line to ensure Zimbabwe emerged victorious against colonial rule.
“I first met him in 1973 at Chifombo. We worked together, but when he came back he had been injured and I worked as a medic so I attended to him.
“Immediately after that, he was taken to Lusaka where I was also deployed. He was a hard worker militarily. He was always at the battles and he was part of the advance group that went for Lancaster House which I was also part of,” she said.
Cde Mkusha said Col Mabuya was always ready to fight for his country.
“Cde Kenny always wanted to be on the front, he always wanted to be in the thick of things.”
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