Former Migori Deputy Governor Mahanga mourned as a loyal servant

A section of the family of the late Nelson Mahanga at the SDA Central Church in Nairobi during his requiem mass on Tuesday, September 19, 2023. He will be laid to rest in Kuria East on Thursday. [Collins Kweyu, Standard]

Former Migori County Deputy Governor Nelson Mahanga Mwita, who died two weeks ago, was eulogized as a loyal and dedicated servant at his requiem mass on Tuesday.

Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko said Mahanga was a visionary leader who contributed to the development of his county.

“We register our sincere condolences to the family, friends and the people of Migori for having lost such a useful leader,” Ayacko said in his message of condolence read at the Nairobi Central SDA Church on Tuesday, September 19.

Mahanga, who served as Deputy Governor for two terms under former Governor Okoth Obado, leaves behind a widow, Consolata Sabai, four children and several grandchildren.

He will be buried on Thursday at his Gwitembe home in Kuria East.

Jane Mahanga, the deceased’s daughter, said her father respected his community and family values.

 She said he loved education and ensured that all his five children attained university education.

 “My late brother Dr. Godfrey Mahanga was a lecturer in chemistry at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University at the time of his early demise in February 2021, which is a clear indication that my father valued education and made sure that we get it,” she said.

She added that her father had been admitted at the MP Shah Hospital, Nairobi after developing an illness and died on Saturday 9.

Former Principal Secretary for Social Protection Nelson Marwa said Mahanga was a dedicated leader in all capacities that he served this country.

Family of the late Nelson Mahanga at the SDA Central Church in Nairobi during his requiem mass on Tuesday, September 19, 2023. He will be laid to rest in Kuria East on Thursday. [Collins Kweyu, Standard]

“He was instrumental in improving the level of education in the Kuria sub-county and the larger Migori county and also led from the front in preaching for peace among the clans forming the Kuria community,” said  Marwa.

He said the death was a big blow to the nation and the Kuria community as he described the deceased as a selfless leader who served all without discrimination.

 Marwa also said Mahanga helped in building many churches in both Kuria East and West constituencies and loved reading the Bible.

A former CEC for Education, Culture, Youth and Sports at the Migori County Maneno Mwikwabe described the late former deputy governor as a leader who was loyal to his superiors wherever he served even if he had different opinions or ideologies with them.

“He was too obedient and he never showed him any disrespect or signs of undercutting him even if they shared different opinions or were from different party affiliations,” said Mwikwabe.

The body of the late Mahanga will leave Lee Funeral Home on Wednesday for his home in Kuria.