Life and times of IEBC's Chris Msando

The late IEBC ICT Manger Christopher Msando will be buried today in Lifunga Kobiero village, Ugenya, Siaya County after his brutal killing last month.

Many Kenyans don’t know about Msando’s history, a man that has been described by colleagues at the electoral commission and friends as a ‘smart worker’ who was dedicated fully to his job.

Christopher Chege Msando was born at Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda on 28th December 1972.

He was a brother to Maurice Msando, Peter Msando, Alice Odongo, Thomas Msando, Patricia Apondi and the late Celestine Msando.

He was also a step brother to Akinyi Msando, Awino Msando, Eric Msando, Benson Msando, Boniface Msando and Achieng Msando.

Msando was baptized at Nsambya Catholic Church in Kampala in 1973.

.
Keep Reading
Chris Msando's mother dies as the wait for justice for Msando continues

He attended Busia Primary School where he completed his KCPE examinations in 1985. After passing exemplary well, the late then joined Sigalame High School in Busia County where he completed his KCSE in 1989.

In 1999, Msando enrolled at Murdoch University in Perth, Western Australia where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Information and Communication technology. He was also blessed with a son namely Jacob Msando.

Thereafter, Chris pursued a Masters degree in strategic Management at Kenyatta University, Nairobi.

In 2001, Chris returned to Kenya after completion of his studies and was employed by International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) in Mbita as a web and database designer, where he worked for two years before leaving to join Swissport International LTD at JKIA Nairobi.

He later worked at Virgin Atlantic for some years then joined National AIDS Control Council (NACC) as a management Information Systems Specialist and worked for about two years.

Chris then joined the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in November 2016 as a Manager of Information and Communications System where he worked for about eight months before his demise.

He married Eva Buyu in 2006 and formalised their union in December 2011 at Holy Trinity, Kileleshwa, Nairobi.

Chris leaves behind five children.

Thousands attend Msando's burial at his Lufunga home in Siaya

Grief as thousands attend Msando's burial

Several leaders have arrived at Lifunga for Msando’s funeral among them NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga, Siaya Senator James Orengo, Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula and Vihiga Senator George Khaniri.

Top IEBC officials have, however, not attended.

Raila Odinga consoling Chris Msando's widow, Eva Buyu

Siaya Senator James Orengo speaking to Msando’s children

(From left) James Orengo, Musalia Mudavadi, Raila Odinga and Moses Wetangula

Msando was killed on July 29 and his body dumped in a forest in Kikuyu, Kiambu County.

His killers are yet to be known and police officers investigating the matter on Wednesday said they were not making "any progress".

Investigations into the killing of Msando and his female friend, Maryanne Ngumbu, slowed because of elections.

Ngumbu, 21, was strangled using a rope, according to a post-mortem report. She was buried last Friday.

After the disputed August 8 General election, NASA claimed Msando's details were used to hack into the IEBC computer system to manipulate the results in favour of President Uhuru Kenyatta.

However, IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati said it was only a botched attempt.

The police had said they had questioned and recorded statements from six people over the duo's killing.

Four others, who police said were persons of interest, were being sought, according to Inspector General of Police, Joseph Boinnet.

Sources said among those police wanted to interrogate was a man who walked with Msando to a bar along Koinange Street.