A double tragedy has struck the family of Abagusii Culture and Development Council ( ACDC) vice chairman, Protus Nyansera, who died yesterday, barely a week after he lost his son, Edwin Omunywa and wife, Mariana Nyansera.

A somber mood engulfed Mwabokono village, Bomwanda clan, Bonchari constituency in Kisii county after the sad news of Nyansera’s demise trickled into the village, even before the soil on his son’s grave dried up and the wife interred.

Nyansera’s cousin Philp Ongeri  said the deceased and his wife had been admitted at Kenyatta national Hospital where she succumbed over Covid-19 related complications.

Ongeri told People Daily on phone, the son, who died over normal illness at Christamarriane hospital in Kisii town was buried last Wednesday while the body of the mother was taken to Kisii Teaching and Referral hospital morgue.

He said Nyansera, who was ex- Kenya national Union of Teachers Executive Secretary in the defunct Kisii and Nyamira District was also Kisii South Sub county peace Committee chairman and Knut National Executive Committee member.

“We have lost a great man who contributed immensely in the union. He was also a Mediator in the Judiciary and contributed greatly in resolving conflicts,” Ongeri said.

ACDC chairman, James Matundura said the deceased was one of the founders of the council, describing him as an honest and straightforward person who stood for justice and reconciled parties.

He said death has robbed the council a great man, whose death comes barely a month after President Uhuru Kenyatta recognized him as a hero and awarded Head of State Commendation during Mashujaa Day celebrations held at Gusii stadium recently.

“Nyansera advised us whenever council members differed. His death is a blow to the council. He was a strong pillar,” Matundura told People Daily on phone yesterday.

The chairman said the deceased was non controversial and retreated whenever he saw that he was bing lured and dragged to make unwise decisions.  

ACDC secretary general, Samwel Bosire described Nyansera as a sober, experienced and wise person, stressing his death has left a huge gap in the council and the Gusii community.

Condoling the family and friends of the official, Bosire said the Deceased was a keen listener, who mediated several cases of litigants with sobriety and great wisdom.   

“The council is mourning an icon. The Gusii community has lost a great man. It will take long to get someone who will fit into his shoes,” Bosire said.