By Reuben Olita
Busia leaders, Pandemic Friends and Legal Fraternity on Saturday paid tribute to Wakili Gilbert Onyango Khayoni,48, who was laid to rest at Muhoho village in Sigalame, Samia Sub County.
Busia County Governor Paul Otuoma
Busia Governor, H.E Dr Paul Otuoma said Wakili Gilbert was in the forefront to protect children when he was working with Clan International under ICS (Investing in Children and the Society) in Busia working as a child protection, the position he held until 2018.
The Governor defended the move to start Pandemic Group which he is a member, noting that the group which was formed during the height of the Corona pandemic had saved many people, urging critics of this noble idea to know how to live together.
The deceased wife Hawa Aroni Salim said a limb has fallen from the family tree that says grieve not for me, remember the best times the laughter the song, the good life I loved when I was strong. Saying goodbye is so difficult but I’m thankful you’re released from the difficulties of this life. Rest sweety, Wakili. A life well lived finds rest and rewards- in the after life.”
The Law Society of Kenya Busia Chapter chairman, Okeyo in a condolence message praised the fallen Wakili for changing the face of children in the county.
“Justice was real to. Gilbert who earned the name Baba Watoto owing to his role as children right defender”, lawyer Okeyo noted.
The lawyers who attended the burial of their colleague included Busia High Court Judge Lucy Ambasi, Moses Olaka, Moses Mangeni, Betty Maloba, Maxwell Okeyo, Elizapho Bogonko, Newton Shiemi, Josiah Wanyama, Joseph Makokha, Nabulindo Donat, Shem Balongo, Loise Otieno and retired judge Joseph Juma.
Pandemic Friends in their tribute said a friend goes on a journey of no return without saying goodbye.” Till death do us part, but for us, as friends we tell you that you live forever in our hearts.
You were a definition of a friend indeed. We never seem to forget the good memories we shared together; And we can’t get them our hearts. Goodbye friend, Goodbye Wakili.
The chairman of the organizing committee Bernard Straser Onyango aka Coach said the occasion would not have been successful had It not been for concerted efforts from all stakeholders and Pandemic friends.
The Governor was accompanied by CECM for Education and Vocational Training, Pamela Awuor, Chief Officers Ken Mbaja (Trade), John Muroki (Education and Vocational Training), Elijah Mwaro ( Office of the Governor).
Others present included MCAs Camulus Obada (Agenga Nanguba), Richard Okello (Mayenje), Deputy Minority Leader in the County Assembly, Julyanne Wanyama, Mohamed Nur (Governor’s Political Advisor), former MCAs John Obwogo, Lucas Wakuloba, Bertlet Oduma and Bernard Odako.
Wakili suffered cellulitus (skin infection caused by bacteria).He was admitted at Tanaka Nursing Home on March 28th, 2023. His condition worsened and was referred to a specialist at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital on April 3rd, 2023. He passed on as he was being transferred.
He has left behind a widow and two daughters aged seven and six years respectively.
