Chesire spoke of a proud legacy in his last days

By Vincent Bartoo and Morton Saulo

Former Eldoret North MP Reuben Chesire has died but he led a fulfilling life.

Speaking to The Standard in his last interview, Chesire said despite his political troubles, he did his best to serve his people.

He reflected on his tenure as Eldoret North MP and told The Standard in an interview at his farm that he was happy with his development record.

"Those days (1990s) we did not have Constituency Development Funds, but I did what some constituencies today have not achieved with the funds," he said.

Chesire spoke fondly on how he established Moi’s Bridge town, which is in Eldoret North, from scratch.

Former Eldoret North MP Reuben Chesire during his last interview with The Standard at his home. Photo: Peter Ochieng/Standard

"My record is still unmatched. As I traverse the constituency, people tell me this and it is music to my soul," he said during the interview.

His bid to reclaim the seat flopped in 2002 when the incumbent, Agriculture Minister William Ruto, defeated him in an election Chesire termed as flawed.

He claimed that the courts frustrated a petition he filed against the minister, and it was not heard for four years.

"I have been a person of honesty and integrity and I have now been made to believe Kenya’s politics has no room for such people," he said.

Messages of sympathy

Prime Minister Raila Odinga, in his condolences to his family, acknowledged the challenges Chesire faced in political life.

"He knew the ups and downs of politics because he went through them as a victim of palace politics and coups," he said.

On his family, Chesire said he felt blessed and happy with the success of his children, some of who live and work overseas.

"All of them are graduates. All my life I have endeavoured to give my children the best in life and I am proud of it. That is what every parent should do," he said as if he had premonition about his death.

Sober mind

Former President Moi described Chesire’s sudden death as a great surprise.

In his condolence message to the family and friends of the late Chesire, Moi said he was deeply saddened by the death.

The former President said he had known Chesire from childhood and described him as of sober mind and focused personality who led by example.

"I have known Chesire as a dependable person in whatever he did as he had commendable management skills," Moi said.

As a leader Moi said, Chesire led by example. He said Chesire would be missed by all those who knew him and who had benefited from his generosity.

He assured the bereaved family he shared in them grief during the difficult time of mourning.

The former President prayed to God to give them the necessary courage and strength to bear the sad loss.