Fond memories: President Moi gave us identity, Suba leaders say

Caroli Omondi. [File, Standard]

The Abasuba community remember President Daniel arap Moi for creating Suba District.

The community, which lives on the shores of Lake Victoria, also remembers the former leader for initiating development projects in the area.

Chairman of the Abasuba Council of Elders Thomas Asango and the National Oil Corporation of Kenya board member Caroli Omondi recalled how Moi carved Suba District from the then Homa Bay District in 1995.

It was later divided into Suba South and Suba North.

Mr Asango said Moi had the interest of the Abasuba community at heart.

In the same year, Moi introduced broadcasts of Ekesuba (the language spoken by the Abasuba community) in the State broadcaster, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, in Kisumu.

“We approached Moi through former minister Peter Nyakiamo and Moi ordered that a research  be done on whether we deserved to have a district or not. In 1995, he declared Suba as a new district,” Asango said, noting that the move elated Suba residents.

According to Mr Omondi, Moi helped prevent the extinction of the Abasuba culture.

“Moi helped revive our culture by introducing radio programmes in Ekesuba in KBC Kisumu,” Omondi said.

Popular school

He also initiated a number of development projects including the current Sindo Sub-County Hospital and health centres such as Magunga, Kisegi and Nyadenda in Suba South.

“We cannot talk about Moi’s projects without mentioning Moi Girls Sindo High, one of the most popular girls schools in Homa Bay County,” Omondi said.

Moi is also remembered for appointing leaders from Homa Bay to prominent positions in the government during his reign.

Among them are former Ndhiwa MP Mathew Otieno Ogingo and his Gwassi counterpart Peter Nyakiamo.

Mr Ogingo was appointed Assistant Minister for Culture and Social Services and Mr Nyakiamo Health minister.

Ogingo described Moi as a president who knew many ordinary citizens by name in various regions.

“Moi knew Kenyans in various parts of the country. He could call out ordinary citizens by their names...,” said Ogingo.

He knew people such as Owigo Olang’, the late Akech Chieng’ and the late Okiki Amayo long before they joined politics.

He said Moi was easy to work with as a leader. “Moi is the only politician who had the highest number of delegations from the common man, both in his home and State House. He was a generous man,” said Ogingo.