Former administrators to guide Nyachae’s burial preparations
Geoffrey Mosoku
Former provincial administration officials will feature prominently in the planning committee for the burial of the late Simeon Nyachae that will be chaired by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
The CS will be deputised by corporate chief John Simba while former long servicing provincial administrator and Internal Security Permanent Secretary Joseph Mathenge will sit in the committee.
Other members of the committee include former Defence minister and ex-Kitui Senator David Musila, who served as Nyachae’s deputy provincial commissioner and former Local Government PS William Mayaka.
Nyachae’s eldest son Charles Ayako, who is the family spokesman, is the sixth person in the team and will play the role of coordinating between the family and the committee.
The six-member team met on Monday evening at Nyachae’s Loresho home and was also set to meet again last evening at the Serena Hotel.
Speaking to People Daily ,Musila recalled the long-term friendship he had with Nyachae, from their days in the provincial administration.
“It is Nyachae who inducted me in the civil service right from a newly recruited District Officer,” said Musila, describing the fallen politician as his mentor.
“He was my first boss to whom I reported during my first posting. He received me very well and gave me invaluable training on the job,” he added.
Provincial Commissioner
Nyachae was one of the most powerful figures during the administration of Presidents Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel arap Moi.
Having served as provincial commissioner in Central Kenya and Rift Valley where he established himself as a no-nonsense power hawk, he was tapped into the high echelons of the Kanu government’s public service.
During his days as a provincial administrator Nyachae distinguished himself as a brave and principled man.
He rose within the ranks to become the Permanent Secretary in Charge of National Development Coordination and eventually Chief Secretary, making him one of the most powerful and influential individuals in that position since independence.
Yesterday, Borabu MP Ben Momanyi eulogised the late Nyachae as an astute leader who worked hard for his country, community and family.
“I join the country in mourning a mentor to many, a leader and politician who worked diligently for the betterment of our country. On my behalf and that of Borabu people, I say pole to the family of Nyachae,” Momanyi said.
Nyachae, who passed on Monday , sixdays shy of his 89th birthday, retired as Chief Secretary in 1987.
Cabinet minister
He later joined politics where he served as a powerful cabinet minister during the Kanu era from 1993 to 1999 when he fell out with President Moi.
Among the decisions Matiang’i’s committee is set to make is the date of Nyachae’s burial and venue to conduct funeral services.
There are suggestions to hold the main service at Gusii stadium while others were suggesting Nyanturago stadium in his Nyaribari Chache constituency where he served as MP for 15 years.
Gusii Stadium
“A decision will be made, definitely. Some think Gusii stadium is the best venue but others think the town is too congested and Nyanturago could be better,” one of the family members said.
The date of burial will also be ascertained once President Uhuru Kenyatta confirms his availability since State House had indicated that the President intends to attend the funeral.
Nyachae contested the Presidency in 2002 but lost to Mwai Kibaki of Narc party.
Nyachae was a successful business whose vast empire includes banking, agriculture, milling, transport, insurance and real estate.
