Former Kitui West MP Francis Nyenze with Kalonzo Musyoka. [Photo/kenyans.co.ke]
Kitui West MP Francis Nyenze alias ‘Shabiki’ has left Ukambani in a messy state. The 60-year-old was among the few Akamba leaders that were ready to speak their mind. His demise has partially orphaned the Kamba Nation.
The former cabinet minister for Environment then Heritage and Sports was a strong man who ailed for 8 years but only close associates knew what the jovial man was going through. He was brave enough to attend his swearing in with an oxygen tank.
His death has snatched Ukambani of a potential President, Kalonzo Musyoka, an asset that will be hard to replace. When Musyoka had political storms that required loyal soldiers to voice his stand, Nyenze played this role with great perfection.
The former Minority Leader in the National Assembly was the voice that Wiper party relied on when opposition was planning to give Raila Odinga another chance to fly the presidential flag. He opposed it and demanded that Kalonzo and the Akamba in general be respected and rewarded as per the 2013 MoU.
Statements that shook the nation defined a serious leader ready to protect the interests of his people. He once said, “This is no longer a request. We are not begging, it is a demand we are making. It is either Kalonzo or there will be no NASA, at least not including the Wiper party.”
Kenya has lost but Ukambani must look for an able replacement.