Don who saved South Africa from political mayhem, lone in life and death

Prof Jalango Okumu with former South African President, Nelson Mandela. He is the man who brokered a peace deal between Nelson Mandela and Zulu leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi in 1994 when the nation was on the brink of political mayhem. (PHOTO: COURTESY)

Professor Washington Okumu lived his life with so much caution, it was like he was shielding himself from an unseen enemy. Perhaps death. The don always kept his gates and doors closed and it was rare to see him in social gatherings at night. But death finally caught up with him.

The good professor died a few weeks ago at his home in Bondo. Prof Okumu was not just another don.