Esther Koimet and other relatives at Lee Funeral home where the body of her father Nicholas Biwott lies/SIMON NDOGA
NAIROBI, Kenya, July 11 – President Uhuru Kenyatta has led leaders in expressing shock at the death of former Cabinet Minister Nicholas Biwott describing him as a man who served the country well.
In a statement, the Head of State portrayed Biwott as a remarkable Kenyan who won qualifications abroad shortly before and after independence, and then returned to build the young nation.
“I was deeply saddened by the news this afternoon that Hon. Nicholas Biwott had left us. It is difficult to find the words with which to do justice to his long service to this nation,” he stated.
He further recognized his long service to the Nation revealing that his impact was quite evident in the government.
“On his return from Australia, he worked, successively, in the Ministry of Agriculture, in the Treasury, and in the Ministry of Home Affairs. Amid all this, he found time to vie for the Keiyo South Parliamentary seat in 1974; the people of Keiyo South chose differently that time, but they would eventually accept his candidacy, and he would serve them as MP for more than two decades,” he said.
He recalled that Biwot went on to serve in the Office of the President under second President, Daniel arap Moi, as well as in the Ministries of Trade and Energy.
He stated that throughout his time in Government, his diligence and intelligence shone through.
“These were the qualities that propelled his rise through the ranks of Government; and these are the qualities that he put at the disposal of the Presidents he served, and of his countrymen,” he said.
“They were balanced by his private warmth, his wit, his attention to detail, and his love of family.”
Deputy President William Ruto described the ‘Total man’ as a distinguished public official who served three governments with distinction and determination
“His hard work and dedication produced results in the various cabinet portfolios he was charged with, notably Science and Technology, Trade and Industry and Energy,” he said.
He recalled that how Biwott championed for the rights of the people for Keiyo when he represented them in Parliament for 28 years.” he championed their rights and gave them a voice in national discourse.”
He further stated that he was an astute businessman and that his disposition and wit earned him friends and foes alike.
He recalled his philanthropic nature saying he took pleasure in helping the needy in society.
“He set up a Foundation that promotes girl child education and provides bursaries to students and helped build, expand and equip hospitals in the Rift Valley. Deepest condolences to his family,friends and the people of Keiyo.”
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