Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

top

Kenya

Despite being the ‘Total Man,’ Biwott sought less publicity – leaders

Musalia Mudavadi who sent the condolences of the opposition National Super Alliance painted Biwott as a a different kind of politician/FILE

NAIROBI, Kenya, July 11 – Leaders have described the death of former Cabinet Minister Nicholas Biwott as a loss to the Nation as the ‘Total man’ affected many people positively during his lifetime.

Speaking at the Lee Funeral Home, the leaders led by the Treasury Cabinet Secretary described it as a sad day and that Biwott had left a huge gap which was difficult to fill.

“Today is a rather sad day. We have lost a former Cabinet Minister Nicholas Biwott and he was a very humble man. He was also a person who helped a lot of people and it is a very sad day to learn of his death,” he stated.

Other leaders who spoke include the current Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago who revealed that Biwott was a wise man who also gave advice to younger leaders.

“As a young leader, honourable Biwott was among those leaders who gave us advice particularly those of us who are young,” he said.

“I remember a number of times he has called me and the Governor of Elgeyo Marakwet where there seemed to have been issues and gave us guidance on how to conduct ourselves and even how to work for the County and serve the people. As a County, we have lost one of our elders.”

Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter expressed disbelief at the death of Biwott describing him as a mentor and friend who was always there for him.

Keter said that the news shocked him as it was unexpected and the Total man was quite well before his demise.

He further revealed that Biwott used to joke with him about his office which he is currently and even sat in the same position as he did when he was a Minister.

“When I got the news, it is something that you really don’t want to believe it has happened. But it has happened and I would want to console the family, pray for them so that at this time of need they may be strong enough,” he stated.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

“Biwott was a mentor and the office I am seated in used to belong to him and even I sit at the same position that he sat. He used to tell me ‘that is my office, take care of it’,” he said.

Keter stated that he learned a lot from Biwott especially during his political career.

“We learnt a lot from him and I particularly and not only me but so many young people. He mentored so many of us work wise and in politics so the loss of Biwott is a really big blow to so many of us and we wish the family all the best at this time,” he said.

Others who expressed their condolences include Democratic Party leader Joseph Munyao said he was an astute politician who served at a time the country required his leadership skills.

He stated that Biwott was adept at building consensus among leaders from different regions and ethnic backgrounds. “Like his moniker “Total Man” the late Biwott lived his life in totality and gave his all.”

Musalia Mudavadi who sent the condolences of the opposition National Super Alliance painted Biwott as a a different kind of politician.

“Together with the late GG Kariuki, they represent the passing of the first generation of young technocrats at Independence who later graduated into imminent political leaders of their time,” he said.

He stated that despite his larger than life personality as the Total Man, he knew Biwott as the least publicity seeking politician.

About The Author

Comments
Advertisement

More on Capital News