Governors visit, condole with Nyagarama’s family in Nairobi [Photos]

Governors on Sunday visited the family of the late former Nyamira Governor John Nyagarama at their Karen home, Nairobi.

Nyagarama, 74, died last week on Friday at Nairobi Hospital after ailing for some time.

Although some of the governors who were in attendance were selected into the burial committee, the burial arrangements are yet to be disclosed.

Governors console Naomi Nyagarama, the wife of the late Nyamira County Governor John Nyagarama after visiting to console the family in Karen, Nairobi.[Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard.

Council of Governors (CoG) chairman Wycliffe Oparanya said the committee and the family were yet to announce the burial arrangements adding that all leaders from the Kisii region would be involved.

Kisii Governor James Ongwae who is chairing the burial committee said Nyagarama—who was elected on ODM ticket in 2013 and reelected in 2017—avoided political confrontations, unlike many leaders.

“Sometimes I wondered whether he was really a politician. He focused on improving the livelihoods of his people rather than politics,” said Ongwae.

Muranga Governor Mwangi wa Iria described Nyagarama as a friend whose silence was so powerful that he cooled down other governors in the council when sessions got heated with political talks.

“He brought sense to the council. You felt sense prevailing every time he was present,” said wa Iria.

Naomi Nyagarama, the widow of the late Nyamira Governor John Nyangarama is consoled by Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana and Kericho Governor Paul Chepkwony at Nyagarama's house in Karen. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

Garissa Governor Ali Korane said the deceased was his partner in the world of “quiet” leaders who took backstage in politics.

“We always remained at the background because he was also less of a politician,” said Korane.

Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok and his Kericho counterpart Prof Paul Chepkwony said the deceased was a friendly neighbour who encouraged peace between the neighbouring counties.

CoG chairperson and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya address colleagues and family members of the late Governor Nyagarama in Karen, Nairobi. [Wilberforce Okwiri]

Other leaders who visited Nyagarama’s home included Makueni Governor Prof Kivutha Kibwana and Nyamira Deputy Governor Amos Nyaribo and other leaders.

Nyagarama is the fourth governor to die while in office after Dr Joyce Laboso (Bomet),

Nderitu Gachagua (Nyeri) and Wahome Gakuru (Nyeri).