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Leaders mourn Nyachae


Veteran politician Simeon Nyachae has passed on.

Nyachae who contested for the presidency in 1997 is said to have died at the Nairobi hospital while receiving treatment.

He was 88.

His remains have been transferred to the Lee Funeral home.

“Mzee has rested after a long illness,” his son Charles Nyachae told journalists outside the Lee Funeral Home where he was flanked by family members and Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi.

Leaders and Kenyans have mourned the former powerful Cabinet Minister Simeon Nyachae who died on Monday morning.

Many have eulogised him as a career civil servant.

President Uhuru Kenyatta mourned the late Nyachae as an icon of Kenya’s progress through the years.

He said he had a successful transition from public service to the world of business and politics was a demonstration that focus and hard work pays.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing away of Mzee Simeon Nyachae, a distinguished son of Kenya, a friend and a man whose contribution to the making of the Kenyan nation will remain with us for eternity. Throughout his many years of service to the nation, right from his time in the provincial administration through to his transition into business and politics, Mzee Nyachae exhibited exemplary zeal to succeed and as he exits from this world, he leaves behind a rich legacy of success,” President Kenyatta said.

The Head of State added that death has robbed Kenya of a wise statesman whose long service to the nation helped shape the country’s standing as one of Africa’s most progressive economies.

“I recall with nostalgia my many interactions with Mzee Nyachae over the years. As an elder and friend, Mzee Nyachae always had a word of wisdom and encouragement for me. Many will remember and miss Mzee Nyachae’s warm personality and especially his hearty and infectious laughter,” President Kenyatta recalled.

“My heartfelt and sincere condolences go out to the family of former Cabinet Minister, MP, and long-serving career civil servant Simeon Nyachae. The Abagusii community has lost one of its most illustrious sons. May He Rest In Eternal Peace,” said ODM leader Raila Odinga.

Deputy President William Ruto said, “Simeon Nyachae was a progressive, selfless and steadfast leader who was genuinely passionate about public service, politics and uniting people in a common cause.”

“Former Cabinet Minister, MP, Simeon Nyachae was an outstanding politician, who diligently fought for the rights of the Gusii community. He was a national treasure who s