Noven Owiti and Mercy Mwai

Tributes continued to pour for the late former Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo who passed away on Monday evening.

The veteran politician was remembered as an independent minded person who served his people with utmost humility, dedication and selflessness.

Yesterday, legislators, leaders and friends continued to eulogise him as a leader who left a mark in the Kenyan political arena and never shied away from pointing out what was affecting the country.

Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o eulogised him as a fearless, open-minded and a very down to earth person.

“ Never afraid to be controversial if he believed he was right, many people misunderstood his sincerity in what he believed to be true to be stubbornness,” he said.

Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya described Midiwo as an astute, progressive and transformative leader.

Big heart

At the National Assembly, legislators described Jakoyo as a straightforward leader.

Minority Leader John Mbadi said that legislators who worked with Jakoyo know him as a sharp debater, a courageous and brave person.

While reading the message of condolences on behalf of the Orange Democratic Movement party (ODM), Mbadi described Jakoyo as someone who would help politicians grow. 

“On Friday I had a conversation with Jakoyo and we agreed that we would meet on Sunday to discuss ODM matters.

On Saturday I tried to reach him but his phone was not being answered, which was so unusual of him.

However I did not read much into it and left it at that. What I didn’t expect is the outcome of yesterday, this is really sad,” he said.

 “I came to Parliament in 2002, Jakoyo had been elected as a first timer. He had a big heart.

When I came we were just 68 MPs from Kanu and Narc had just gotten to power. The only person who was able to interact with us without a problem was Jakoyo. 

Apart from that he even invited 14 young members from Kanu to his constituency for Harambee and he was summoned and asked why he was interracting with people in the opposition. He was a good man,”said Deputy Speaker Moses Cheboi

National Assembly Majority Leader Amos Kimunya said Jakoyo was someone who he trusted and worked with to get things moving in the House.

“As his former colleagues, we need to come together and support him. I hope the leader of the minority will guide us on this. We need to give him a befitting send off,” he said.

Garissa Township MP Aden Duale said that the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) must come up with ways of recognising outstanding leaders like Jakoyo who performed well in Parliament.

Jakoyo’s successor Elisha Odhiambo described him as a dependable leader, who prioritised the interest of his constituents.

Jakoyo, 54, served as the MP for Gem constituency for three terms between 2002 and 2017. During his tenure, he served as the Deputy chief Whip in the 11th Parliament.

His leadership style often played out in the August House where he could cause a stir during debate especially on matters of national interest.