[PHOTOS] Nyagarama's body arrives in Nyamira ahead of burial

 

The body of Nyamira Governor John Nyagarama arrived at Riamanoti Primary School near his home on Thursday morning.

The body arrived aboard a Kenya police chopper at 9.30 am accompanied by three other choppers with family members and Borabu MP Ben Momanyi.

Mourners and family members when they received the body of Nyamira Governor John Nyagarama at Riamanoti Primary School on December 24, 2020.
Image: ANGWENYI GICHANA

Nyagarama spent most of his time at Riamanoti where he settled but will be buried later on Thursday at his home at Tente in Nyamira.

A sombre mood engulfed the area as residents received the remains of their governor.

Mourners and family members when they received the body of Nyamira Governor John Nyagarama at Riamanoti Primary School on December 24, 2020.
Image: ANGWENYI GICHANA

A state funeral will be held at Nyamira Primary School.

Momanyi said he had lost a close friend and confidant.

Nyagarama's widow Naomi when she received the body of the governor at Riamanoti Primary School on December 24, 2020.
Image: ANGWENYI GICHANA

"I presided over the last function with him in Nyamira. We have lost a development conscious man," he said.

The body was later taken to Nyamira Primary School grounds a burial service will be conducted.

ODM leader Raila Odinga when he arrived at the Nyamira Primary School grounds on December 24, 2020.
Image: ANGWENYI GICHANA

Several Governors including the chairman of the funeral committee CS Fred Matiang'i and his co-chair Kisii Governor James Ongwae were present.

Chief Justice David Maraga when he arrived at the Nyamira Primary School grounds on December 24, 2020.
Image: ANGWENYI GICHANA

Others in attendance were Anyang Nyong'o (Kisumu), Cyprian Awiti (Homa Bay), Okoth Obado (Migori), Wilbur Otchillo (Vihiga), Hillary Barchok (Bomet) and Cornel Rasanga (Siaya) among others.

Nyagarama's son Kepher consoled by Borabu MP Ben Momanyi.
Image: ANGWENYI GICHANA

The governor succumbed to Covid-19 related complications at Nairobi Hospital last Friday. He was 74 years.

Nyagarama was elected on an ODM ticket and was serving his second term in office.

Governors pay their last respects to to their departed colleague at Nyamira Primary School grounds on December 24, 2020.
Image: ANGWENYI GICHANA

He is the fourth governor to die in office. The first was Nderitu Gachagua of Nyeri in February 2017, then Wahome Gakuru (Nyeri) in November 2017 and Joyce Laboso of Bomet in July 2019. 

Governor John Nyagarama's body arrives at Nyamira Primary School grounds ahead of the burial service on December 24, 2020.
Image: ANGWENYI GICHANA

Nyagarama's deputy Amos Nyaribo will take over for the remainder of the term.