BARINGO, November 22 – Former Assistant Minister the late Reuben Chesire was buried Saturday at his Kasioyo village in Kabarnet at a service attended by Prime Minister Raila Odinga, retired president Daniel Arap Moi and thousands of mourners.
Mourners eulogized the late Chesire as a distinguished parliamentarian, and a true advocate of the Kenyan farmer.
"In his long and eventful career in politics, the late Chesire distinguished himself as a charismatic leader, a champion of development and a man who had the true interest of his constituents at heart," President Mwai Kibaki said.
The head of state’s sentiment was contained in a condolence message read on his behalf by the Prime Minister during the burial also attended by a dozen members of the cabinet and parliament.
The President said the country had lost a true servant of the people and a development conscious leader who served the nation with exemplary dedication in various capacities.
Until his death, Chesire, who had an illustrious stint in farming, was the chairman of the Kenya Dairy Board. He was elected Eldoret North MP in 1988, but lost the seat in 1992 to the late William arap Saina.
" As the chair of the Kenya Dairy board, International director of the World Ashire Foundation, Vice Patron and life governor of the Agricultural Society of Kenya and the chairman of the Makongi farm and SOTE flowers, Kenya will surely miss Chesire" the speech read.
The head of state said as a long serving chairman of the Kenya Dairy Board, the late Chesire contributed enormously to the revival of the collapsed sector in line with the government policy of transforming the defunct industries towards creation of jobs for idle youth.
On his part Odinga said his friendship with the former Eldoret North MP dated back to 1975.
"Our friendship is memorable as Chesire dedicated his services towards health, good governance, poverty and the fight against Illiteracy," he said.
Mr Odinga reiterated his call to Kenyans from divergent ethnic backgrounds of the need to harmoniously co exist with all communities within the borders of the country.
He urged eligible youth for marriage not to strictly shop for spouses within their communities in a bid to foster national unity.
"Cross ethnic matrimonial unions are likely to reduce chances of recurrence of tribal clashes and intolerance," he emphasized.
The premier said the late Chesire led a full exemplary life and regretted that the nation had lost a friend, brother and a patriotic leader whose positive attributes would linger in the minds of Kenyans.
Retired president Daniel Arap Moi told the mourners of his long friendship with Chesire and assured the family of his continued support.
Chesire died on 15 November 2008 at Nairobi Hospital aged 67.
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