Nyamira residents mourn Governor John Nyagarama
Nyamira County residents attend an interdenominational prayer service for the late Nyamira Governor John Nyagarama Nyamira Primary School.
What you need to know:
- Some of John Nyagarama's supporters broke into tears as it dawned on them that their governor was no more.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i and Kisii Governor James Ongwae led Gusii elected leaders in receiving Mr Kenyatta.
A sombre mood engulfed Nyamira County as reality of the passing of governor John Nyagarama sank on the residents on Wednesday.
An interdenominational prayer service was held at Nyamira Primary School grounds in the governor’s honour, setting the tone for the burial ceremony tomorrow.
Some of his supporters broke into tears as it dawned on them that their governor was no more. Before the Wednesday function, most of them had only heard on media that he had passed on about six days ago.
At about 2.30am, elected leaders from Gusii jetted in from Nairobi. Under normal circumstances, Mr Nyagarama would lead such delegations, but his absence sent more grief to his supporters who say they felt like orphaned children.
Before flying in from Nairobi, the leaders welcomed President Uhuru Kenyatta at Nyagarama’s Karen home where he had gone to condole with the family of the late governor.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i and Kisii Governor James Ongwae led Gusii elected leaders in receiving Mr Kenyatta.
State burial
Dr Matiang’i and Mr Ongwae are leading the team that is planning a State burial for the late governor.
Elected leaders from Gusii, who have been reading from different political scripts, are now united by grief.
They told the Nation that their goal is to ensure a decent send-off of their departed colleague.
Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni, Woman Rep Jerusha Momanyi, Deputy Governor Amos Nyaribo, MPs Ben Momanyi (Borabu), Joash Nyamoko (North Mugirango), Vincent Kemosi (West Mugirango), Shadrack Mose (Kitutu Masaba), Jimmy Angwenyi (Kitutu Chache North) and Richard Tong’i (Nyaribari Masaba) are among the leaders who were present.
Back at Nyamira Primary School grounds, thousands of residents gathered to mourn their late governor as they waited for their leaders to jet in from Nairobi.
They also attended an interdenominational prayer service presided over by the Seventh Day Adventist Church where the late governor was an elder.
It is in the same venue where the main burial service will be held on Thursday. Only 2,000 locals will be allowed into the venue. This is to avoid overcrowding due to Covid-19.
Nyamira municipality
Nyagarama’s remains will be interred at his Tente home which is within Nyamira municipality Thursday afternoon.
The body has been lying at Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi.
Nyagarama, 74, died at the Nairobi Hospital where he had been admitted for about a month. He succumbed to Covid-19 complications.
President Kenyatta, his deputy William Ruto and ODM party leader are among leaders expected to attend the burial.
The late Nyagarama is the fourth governor in the country to die in office since 2013.
In February 2017, then Nyeri governor Nderitu Gachagua died at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London while undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer.
In November, 2017, then Nyeri governor Wahome Gakuru died after a road accident while heading to Nairobi.
In November 2019, Bomet Governor Joyce Laboso died. The family said she had died of cancer while undergoing treatment at Nairobi Hospital.
