Former Turkana South MP Ewaton is laid to rest

By Lucas Nga’sike

Former Turkana South MP the late Francis Ewaton Achuka was buried in his rural home in Turkana County.

Kanu Chairman Gideon Moi, who led party leaders to the funeral, described the late MP as a devoted party member.

Ewaton is alleged to have committed suicide after shooting dead his wife at their rural home in mysterious circumstances.

Gideon who conveyed condolences of former President Moi to the bereaved family said Ewaton’s death was a big blow to the party.

“He was an important leader who championed and promoted Kanu in this region,” he said yesterday.

The Kanu leader recalled that before his death they were planning to hold meetings to popularise the party in the region.

Moi said the discovery of oil in the area is a blessing to the people of Turkana who have been suffering due to drought and poverty.

He said the oil should first benefit the local community before other areas of the country.

Gideon said following the discovery of the oil, part of the proceeds should be used to pay school fees for local children in order to uplift living standards.

He said Kanu as a party would defend the rights of the Turkana and urged residents to choose leaders who will bring positive change.

Speaking during the ceremony, the party’s Secretary General Nick Salat appealed to the residents to vote for leaders who can protect their resources.

Mr Salat urged local MPs to join Kanu, saying it was the most popular party.

Among those at the funeral were Labour minister John Munyes, Turkana South MP Josephat Nanok and Turkana Central MP Ekwe Ethuro.

Ethuro said the Government was investigating the circumstances surrounding the former MPs death and the report would be made public once investigations are over.

The MPs accused the media of speculative reports about the cause of the death.