Family: We demand to know Msando’s killers, why they took his life

The widow of slain electoral commission ICT manager Chris Msando, Eva Buyu (right), with other family members during his requiem mass at Consolata Shrine in Nairobi. [Beverlyne Musili, Standard]

Chris Msando’s family Thursday demanded that his killers be named.

Family members and politicians who attended the requiem mass for the former electoral commission ICT manager at Consolata Shrine in Westlands, Nairobi, said the Government is well able to investigate and unravel the mystery behind the killing.

The investigations into Msando’s killing and that of his female companion on July 29 seem to have hit a dead end.

The police said they had interviewed six people but had not made any progress and have yet to arrest anyone.

Msando’s widow, Eva Buyu, eulogised the man she had been married to for 12 years.

“I don’t know where to start. I don’t know what to tell you. All I want to know is why he was killed,” said Eva.

She said her husband was friendly and would easily win over and befriend those around him.

“He was crazy but in a good way. He cherished his family. It only took him one day to win me over and I became part of his life,” she said.

She described her husband as a hardworking person who stayed late in the office to ensure that the Kenya Integrated Electoral Management System (KIEMS) used in last week’s elections does not fail.

“Everybody voted seamlessly during the elections because of his hard work. His memory will live on in the stories people are telling now,” said Eva.

Everything possible

“His killers will never have peace for taking away a father from my children. But I will do everything possible to ensure my husband’s legacy lives on.”

She added: “Chris’s death will not go unpunished. I will do my best, with the support of Kenyans and God on my side, to ensure justice is served.”

Pamela Msando, his elder sister, said Msando was killed because of his position at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

“The Government should provide us with the answers because they have the ability to catch my brother’s killers,” said Pamela.

“Peace and justice go hand in hand. Peace can only be achieved when justice is served and that will be by finding the killers of my brother,” she said.

Msando’s father-in-law, an Anglican Church of Kenya cleric, Andrew Buyu, said the killing is shocking and devastating, not only to the family but the entire nation.

“I appreciate Opposition leader Raila Odinga, Kisumu governor-elect Anyang Nyong’o, IEBC commissioners, and Kenyans of goodwill for standing with us during this moment,” Mr Buyu said.

IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati described Msando as a team player and mentor. He said it will be hard to fill the gap he has left at the commission.

“Msando had deep knowledge of ICT. He always reported to work at 6am and rarely left before 10pm. His legacy will live on but we also want his killers brought to book,” said Chebukati.

Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi said: “Kenya has lost a patriot and a dedicated servant. We shall not rest until we get to the bottom of this. Who sent his killers?

“He has left a mark in our hearts and the whole country, and the nation will forever be grateful,” said IEBC chief executive Ezra Chiloba.

Nyong’o condemned the killings, saying justice must prevail. “We should never allow murderers to take away the lives of patriotic Kenyans in efforts to retain power.”

At Msando’s Lifunga village home in Ugenya, Siaya County, security was beefed up ahead of his burial tomorrow. Senior officers have assured mourners of safety.

Raila, his NASA co-principals, and IEBC officials are expected to attend the burial.

Additional report by Olivia Odhiambo

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