Former Moi Nyanza pointman dies of cancer

Former President Moi’s Nyanza pointman Elisha Akech Chieng (pictured) is dead.

Chieng’, a former South Nyanza County Council chairman, died on Friday in Nairobi West Hospital at the age of 79.

His son, Tom Akech, said Chieng’ had been diagnosed with cancer that culminated in heart failure.

“Chieng’ had visited various hospitals for medication but the condition became more complicated until he passed on,” said Mr Akech.

The deceased hailed from Langi Village, Ndhiwa Constituency, in Homa Bay County. At the time of his death, he was a member of the Luo Council of Elders.

Chieng’ is remembered as charismatic political leader during the era of former President Moi.

During that time, anyone from South Nyanza region (currently Migori and Homa Bay Counties) who wanted to meet the former President had to go through him.

“My father was a highly respected man in this region because whoever wanted to meet the then most powerful man in Kenya (Mzee Moi) had to seek his approval. He used to host dignitaries and this meant he was a charismatic citizen of this country,” Tom added.

Homa Bay Deputy Governor Hamilton Orata, MPs Ong’ondo Were (Kasipul), Lilian Gogo (Rangwe) and the Director of Children’s Welfare Michael Agwanda said Chieng’ contributed significantly to economic development of the region.

Orata said Mzee Chieng’ will be remembered for his fight for freedom of the media.

“Chieng’ made a special appeal to President Uhuru Kenyatta when Kenya stayed in the dark for days without television. This tells us that he was a man who cared about information and development of the people,” said Orata. In 2007, he joined ODM.