Village mourns murdered IEBC’s ICT guru

A relative mourns the death of IEBC IT expert Chris Msando at his rural home in Lifunga village in Siaya County after receiving the news of his death. (Photo: Denish Ochieng/ Standard)

Slain poll agency ICT boss Chris Msando had vowed he would only go home after delivering free and fair elections.

Villagers in his Lifunga village said Chris Msando always said he was too busy preparing for the elections whenever they asked him when he would pay a visit.

"Until recently, we rarely used to call him (Msando) because he told us he would only come home after the elections because he was extremely busy ensuring they went on smoothly," said Samson Okulo, his cousin.

The small but robust village was yesterday in mourning. Wailing villagers began streaming to Msando's home moments after the news of his death broke.

The shocked villagers said Msando's disappearance over the weekend was the beginning of their sorrow amidst suspicion that the incident could have been work-related.

Relatives and neighbours said death had dimmed the rising star of the 45-year-old father of four.

"Msando was a very committed person who loved his work and people as well," said his nephew, Franc Owano.

Msando's brother, Maurice Odhiambo, said he first learnt of his brother's death on social media.

"Since my brother was reported missing, I have been trying to reach him through his phone. It has been a trying moment for the family," said Mr Odhiambo.

Msando's father, Jacob Msando, died some time back while his ailing mother, Mary Aloo, was living with him in Nairobi.

His step-mother, Angeline, was so overcome by grief that she could not  speak to journalists.

Siaya Governor Cornell Rasanga led the county in mourning Msando. Mr Rasanga and Siaya Woman Representative Christine Ombaka condemned  what they termed the murder of a bright man who was working hard to give Kenya a free and fair election.

"He was a forthright person and must have been killed because of his commitment to the August 8 elections," said Rasanga.