Parliament pays tribute to former MPs Francis Nyamu and Elijah Lagat
A combo photo showing the late Francis T. Nyamu (left) and former Chesumei MP Elijah Lagat. File photos
The National Assembly on Thursday paid tribute to two former Members of Parliament, Francis Thombe Nyamu and Elijah Lagat, who both passed away this week.
Tetu MP Geoffrey Wandeto reported that Francis Thombe Nyamu, who represented Tetu Constituency, died on Sunday 28 September. Mr Nyamu, a veteran educationist, was the founding chairman of Longhorn Publishers and also established the Kenya School of Professional Studies, which later became Inoorero University.
He was cremated on Monday according to his wishes.
Chesumei MP Paul Biego announced the death of Mr Elijah Lagat, a former Chesumei legislator and celebrated marathoner. Mr Lagat died on Monday.
Before joining politics in 2007, he represented Kenya in several international marathons, winning the 1997 Berlin Marathon and the 1999 Boston Marathon.
He entered Parliament after winning the Emgwen seat on an ODM ticket and later became the first Chesumei MP in 2013.
Gilgil MP Martha Wangari, who was presiding as Speaker, invited members to observe a minute of silence in honour of the two leaders.
Roysambu MP Mwafrika Kamande said Mr Nyamu transformed Longman Publishers into Longhorn Publishers, which produced many classic Swahili works including _Kiswahili Mufti_ .
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma noted that Mr Nyamu played a key role in higher education.
“He founded Kenya School of Professional Studies which later became Inoorero University,” he said.
Mr Kaluma also praised Mr Lagat’s courage in politics.
“At a time when ODM struggled to gain ground in Nandi, he hosted me and the party leader and even dressed him as a Nandi elder,” he recalled.
Nandi Hills MP Bernard Kitur described Mr Lagat as a hero who inspired young athletes, while Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi hailed Mr Nyamu as a pioneer in publishing and professional education.
Tinderet MP Julius Melly said Mr Nyamu was a great educationist and Mr Lagat served his two terms with distinction, especially in the newly created Chesumei Constituency.
Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe added: “Honourable Speaker, you and I worked closely with the late Lagat. He was always smiling but firm.”
Dadaab MP Farah Maalim said Nyamu’s death was a personal loss.
“I knew him before he joined politics. I know the family. Pole to mjane,” MP Maalim said.
The House resolved to convey its condolences to the families of the two leaders.
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