Ex-military man Koitaba eulogised as selfless, honest

The late Major (Rtd) Wilson Koitaba was yesterday laid to rest at his home in Eldama Ravine, Baringo County.

Koitaba, who died on June 27 after suffering a heart attack, was eulogised as a selfless man. He resigned from the military on June 3, 1976.

Kanu Chairman Gideon Moi, Governors Benjamin Cheboi (Baringo), Latin Lelelit (Samburu) and Mutula Kilonzo Junior (Makueni), MPs Joseph Makilap (Baringo North), Musa Sirma (Eldama Ravine) and nominated MP Jackson Kosgei, among others joined the family in paying their last respect.

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“I stand here today in awe at the values this great man had, values which he taught us and learned from him. Values of honesty, integrity and hard work, commitment and keeping friends,” he said.

Gideon noted the values Koitaba had are exhibited in his children.

Prime CS Musali Mudavadi in a message of condolences read by Cheboi described Koitaba as a man who served the country with an exceptional sense of duty with a distinguished military service career.

Mudavadi said Koitaba will be remembered for the role he played during the reforms of the National Cereals and Produce Board and commercialisation of the grain sector in the country.

“It is while working with him in my then capacity as the Minister for Supplies and Marketing that we abolished the 10 by 90-kilogramme bag movement permits. He always reminded me of the role my late father Moses Mudavadi played in advancing education in the Rift Valley region,” stated Musalia.

Cheboi on his part said they will work with other leaders to ensure Koitaba’s dream come true.

“The issue of a cultural centre has been spoken about by the Lembus community. We will work together with other leaders to make his wish a reality,” said Cheboi.

Cheboi said they have requested the Kenya Forest Service to allow them use part of the Lembus forest as an arboretum that can act as venue for the community cultural activities.

General (Rtd) Joseph Kibwana in his message of condolences said Koitaba surprised them when he resigned at the peak of his career and it was challenging to find someone to fit in his shoes.