By David Odongo
Leaders eulogised the former permanent secretary for East African Community David Nalo and recounted how he bravely fought with cancer.
Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, and Deputy PM Musalia Mudavadi sent messages of condolence to family and colleagues.
Said Raila: “We have lost another hard working public officer after a long and brave battle with cancer.”
“I have received the death of Mr Nalo with great pain because he was a rare officer who worked wholeheartedly and diligently to safeguard public interest and regional integration,” said Raila.
The PM recounted how about a month ago, Mr Nalo pulled himself out his house to attend a meeting he had convened with permanent secretaries and departmental heads to discuss the subject of underutilization of budgeted funds.
“I believe that was his last public function and it said much about his commitment to seeing that government works for Kenyans. He was weak and frail. But he felt strongly that the subject of using funds to deliver services was critical and needed his contribution,” Raila said.
The VP Kalonzo described Nalo as an active public servant who was dedicated and patriotic and well versed with trade issues and negotiation of trade matters.
“He made Kenya feature competitively in regional and global organization particularly World Trade Organisation.” The VP said.
“Mr Nalo will be remembered for working effectively and diplomatically in ministry of Trade and recently in the EAC docket.” Kalonzo said.
“It is sad we have lost him at a time he was steering the EAC integration at a technical level,” Kalonzo said.
“During this time of mourning, I convey my condolence sympathy to the family and colleagues in government.” The VP said.
