Daniel Moi, Uhuru, leaders mourn Nicholas Biwott

Kenya is mourning the death of former Cabinet minister Nicholas Kipyator Biwott.

Mr Biwott passed on at his home in Kileleshwa, Nairobi.

FRIEND

Former President Daniel arap Moi, under whom Mr Biwott served for many years, said he had lost a “dependable friend”.

Mr Moi said "Total Man", as he was popularly known, was “a dedicated public servant, an astute businessman and a philanthropist”.

“(He) initiated community projects to alleviate the suffering of the people he represented of Keiyo,” he said.

Mzee Moi said Kenya had lost a resourceful man whose service helped the nation.

In his message, the retired president said his prayers were with the family of the fallen minister.

SERVANT

President Kenyatta said he remembered Mr Biwott as s dedicated servant who touched many lives.

“I was deeply saddened by the news this afternoon that Hon. Nicholas Biwott had left us,” he said in a statement.

“It is difficult to find the words with which to do justice to his long service to this nation.”

He said the former minister, with whom they fought over the ownership for independence party Kanu, would be remembered for two things: his deep devotion to the education of young Kenyans and development.

“He spent decades building schools, hospitals, and every other kind of development project he could. May his generosity never be forgotten,” the president said.

SHOCK

Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter expressed his shock and mourned him as an adviser

“He used to be in charge of Energy and he used to tell me that we need to take care of the position,” said Mr Keter.

Former Statehouse Comptroller Abraham Kiptonui remembered Mr Biwott as a “servant of the people”.

“Development of the county was dependent on him. I worked with him for long and he had a lot of development ideas. He has done a lot for this country and Elgeyo-Marakwet,” he said.

“He was a brilliant and a great man. He has been an adviser to many presidents who have been in power.”             

'ELDER'         

MP Oscar Sudi said the Rift Valley region had lost someone who has been very instrumental in decision making.

“Friday, I asked about him and I was told he is abroad for treatment. He had a lot of friends. He was generous. He had a rich history.”                      

Former Central Bank Governor Micah Cheserem said they had lost an elder.

“Nick comes from my home area. We have lost an elder, a senior statesman, we have to accept that it has happened,” he said.                       

Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter said the Rift Valley has lost three leaders within a short span - “G.G Kariuki, Maj-Gen (rtd) Nkaissery and now Biwott. This is a sad moment for us,” he said.                 

Ainabkoi Jubilee nominee for MP William Chepkutt was lost for words: “He was like my father. I lack words to express the pain that I feel."

Chama Cha Mashinani (CCM) party leader and Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto said Kenya had lost a servant.

PRAYERS

"Biwott was one of the respected leaders in the country whose contribution on the socio-economic and political front was outstanding and will be highly missed," Mr Ruto said.

"His death is a big blow to the country.”

Mr Ruto, who was recently installed the Kipsigis community spokesman, said even after he left the Cabinet and formed the National Vision Party (NVP), Mr Biwott continued with his contribution to development and preached peace and cohesion in the society.

"Biwott contributed a lot to various development projects in Bomet County and in return his NVP party was rewarded by the voters with one member of the county assembly — John Chepkwony of Chebunyo Ward — who worked closely with CCM affiliated MCAs at the county assembly," Mr Ruto said.

He called on Kenyans to pray for Mr Biwott's family during this difficult time.

Reported by Stella Cherono, Ruth Mbula, Eric Matara, Patrick Lang'at and Harry Misiko.