By Vitalis Kimutai
Former Assistant minister Elijah Kipkosgei Sumbeiywo has been eulogised as a disciplinarian, a respected professional police officer and a nationalist.
Sumbeiywo, a former commander of the Presidential Escort to retired President Moi and Keiyo North MP died of cancer last Saturday at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi.
Members of Parliament, permanent secretaries and military generals converged at Kileleshwa Covenant Community Church on Friday for a requiem mass.
Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka described the late Sumbeiywo, a retired and decorated Senior Deputy Commissioner of Police as a nationalist who served the country in various capacities with dedication.
“I learnt of Sumbeiywo’s demise with shock and disbelief. He was a gallant officer who performed his duties with diligence before shifting to politics,” Kalonzo said.
In a speech read by Defence Assistant minister David Musila, the VP recalled that even after quitting politics, Sumbeiywo continued to assist the poor in society. Sara Sumbeiywo, the widow, said her departed husband was a wonderful man who respected all in society.
