Former Bonchari MP Zebedeo Opore is dead

Former Bonchari MP Zebedeo John Opore. [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

Former Bonchari MP Zebedeo John Opore is dead.

His lastborn son, Robin Opore, said the former legislator died on Friday at a Nairobi hospital after battling a long illness.

Opore 77 was elected as Bonchari MP in 1997 on a Ford People ticket and also served as Assistant Minister in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. He lost his seat to Charles Onyancha in 2007.

Robin described Opore as a family man who loved education.

Leaders from Kisii County have mourned Opore as a resolute and unshakeable leader who championed the interests of residents in and out of Parliament.

Nominated Senator Esther Okenyuri Nyaituga said the veteran politician held the deepest respect for both young and old people and that Bonchari residents have lost a voice of reason with the passing of Opore.

"Throughout his illustrious political career he demonstrated unshakable commitment to his constituents; my prayers and thoughts are with the family," said Okenyuri.

Kisii County MP Doris Donya said Opore encouraged many women to vie for political seats in Kisii County. " He paid for my Jubilee nomination fee in 2017, and it was during his time that Bonchari residents benefitted from development from the National Government," said Donya.