Msando body arrives in Kisumu for final journey

Friends and relatives view the body of former ICT Manager at IEBC Chris Msando after the body arrived at Kisumu International Airport ahead of burial at his Lifunga home in Ugenya, Siaya County. PHOTO BY CAREY MULINDI/STANDARD

?Family and friends of the slain electoral commission ICT manager Chris Msando fought back tears as his remains landed at the Kisumu International Airport yesterday on his final journey to Lifunga home in Siaya County where he will be buried on Saturday.

NASA leader Raila Odinga is expected to lead a host of politicians at the burial of a man whose murder days to the August 8 elections shocked the country.

Kisumu leaders led by Governor-elect Anyang’ Nyong’o, his wife Dorothy Nyong’o, Ruth Odinga, Kisumu Central MP-elect Fred Ouda and Nyando MP-elect Jared Okello condoled with Msando’s family as they received the casket bearing his remains.

Msando’s widow, Eva Buyu Msando, her children and close family members were at hand to receive the body that arrived aboard a Kenya Airways flight.

Chris Msando will be buried at his Lifunga home in Ugenya, Siaya County. PHOTO BY CAREY MULINDI/STANDARD

Selfish interest

Mrs Msando fought back tears as the luggage cart taxied the casket to the waiting hearse, but broke down as airport officials and family members loaded it onto the vehicle.

One of her sons, oblivious of what was happening, innocently sat on Prof Nyong’o’s lap and peered at the crowd, perhaps wondering why there were so many sad faces around them.

A brief prayer session was conducted at the airport’s parking bay before those present viewed the body.

Oscar Awiti, Msando’s cousin described his death as a big blow to the family. “It is a very bad time for us, the death of Chris is too much for us and whoever did it hit us below the belt. We may not say much now but we wish to welcome all Kenyans to come for the burial,” he said.

Prof Nyong’o challenged the Government to investigate and name those behind Msando’s death. “Dark forces of selfish interest have brought us here today, may they never find peace,” Nyong’o said.

He said Msando’s death and that of a six-month old Samantha Pendo who died in Kisumu after she was clobbered by police, came at a crucial time in the history of Kenya’s democracy and should not go unpunished.

“Let us keep the family in our prayers during this trying time and pray that the killers face justice,” he added.

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