Minister who never had bodyguards

The late Phares Oluoch Kanindo, 71, will go down in the history of Nyanza politics as the only leader who never had a bodyguard, even when he was an assistant minister.

The late Kanindo served in retired President Daniel Moi’s government as an assistant minister for Education between 1984 and 1988.

He also served as the Member of Parliament for the entire South Nyanza, which is now made up of Homa Bay and Migori counties.

According to his first wife, Mary Kanindo, the late politician has never walked with a bodyguard, even when he was assigned one by the Government.

But pushing and shoving men who posed as security details for various VIPs attending his burial almost marred the function as the security men whipped some mourners.

The youth hired by the various politicians attending the funeral were all over in Awendo Green Stadium where the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) leaders and followers converged to mourn the late politician, and later moved to Migori town where they held a grand rally.

Most notable were the youth, popularly referred to as ‘Men in Black’, who were allegedly behind the chaos that marred the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) national party elections in early March.

The funeral ceremony was halted for more than an hour as mourners tried to surge close to the main tent where CORD leaders Raila Odinga and Moses Wetang’ula were seated.

The “Men in Black” whipped mourners wantonly as they tried to control the surging crowd.

Speeches were cut short as the scuffles ensued and widows of the late Kanindo could not be let to address the gathering that came to grief with them.

Those who attended the ceremony condemned politicians for causing discord in the function that was meant to be peaceful.

In his life, Kanindo promoted peace and at no time did he engage in any physical fight with anyone – according to his wives.

violent politics

In his entire political career, Kanindo only moved around with either one of his wives or sons. He shunned violent politics and that explains why in the entire of his life, no one threatened his peace during campaigns.

“My late husband had some extraordinary confidence in everyone and that is why, he had no political enemy during his many days in politics,” said one of the wives, Mary.

According to his son Eric Kanindo, the politician was fearless and would confront anyone who dared cross his path with words rather than a physical fight.

“It was our wish that our father be buried peacefully without any discord amongst anyone especially politicians,” said Kanindo Junior.

The late Kanindo leaves behind eight widows and many children and great grandchildren.