2,000 mourners expected as Nyagaramas body arrives in Nyamira for burial

The body of the late Nyamira Governor John Nyagarama has arrived at his home in Riamanoti, Borabu constituency, ahead of his State Funeral today aboard a police aircraft.

Among leaders who have already arrived for the funeral include Governors James Ongwae (Kisii), Cyprian Awiti (Homa Bay), Hillary Barchok (Bomet), Wilberforce Ottichilo (Vihiga) as well as Woman Reps Jerusha Momanyi (Nyamira), Janet Ongera (Kisii) and Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay).

Preparations for the late governor’s final journey are complete, with County Commissioner Amos Muriba on Wednesday saying only 2,000 mourners will be allowed to attend.

“Tunawaomba, watu watakaokuja hapa ni wageni VIPs na familia….watu elfu mbili pekee yake…tafadhali, tusije kusukumana,” said Muriba during the memorial service.

Leaders also called on Nyamira locals to exercise restraint as they mourn their departed governor.

Organisers have set out COVID-19 containment protocols, with handwashing points erected at all entry points and dotted inside the Nyamira primary grounds where the funeral service will take place.

In addition, security officers manning entry points will not allow anyone without a face mask.

A mini funeral service will be held in Nyansiongo, Borabu constituency, before Nyagarama’s body is taken to Nyamira for the final journey.

Governor Nyagarama died at the Nairobi Hospital where he had been admitted on December 18, 2020.

The 74-year-old had been admitted at the hospital for three weeks ago undergoing treatment before he succumbed to COVID-19 complications.