By Reuben Olita -Busiaย
Hundreds of mourners on Thursday attended the burial service of the pioneer Councillor of the Malaba Town Council from 1994-1997 Peter Okuni, in Osasame village, Malaba North Ward.
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Okuni becomes the fifth pioneer councillor of Malaba Town Council to passaway.Others included Erineo Echakara, Crescent Adams Okima, Francis Omoit and Boniface Onyandare. Only Livinstone Etee Marago is still alive among the first cohort of councillors.
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The second cohort of councillors in 1997 included Osili Adungo, who was elected Council chairman, Revenia Ekakoro (vice chair), Crescent Adams Okima, John Okiring, Wycliffe Mamai and Ronald Oshalai.
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The second President of the Republic of Kenya Daniel Arap Moi rewarded Malaba the status of a Town Council in recognition for virtually all councillors elected on KANU tickets ( with Jogoo) as its symbol.
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Addressing mourners, Mzee Livinstone Etee Marago said he was one of the bearded brothers who worked as a team during their inaugural tenure. Others were Erineo Echakara, Francis Igari Omoit, Crrsents Adams Okima, and Peter Okuni.
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I know they have predeceased me and have gone to prepare the way for me in heaven, although not now because I am still strong,โ he said.
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Former councillors who attended the burial included Reuben Emaan Ekirapa, Fobian Isogol, Ishmael Orodi, Stephen Enaga, Livingstone Etee Marago, Mary Revenia Ekakoro and John Emomeri Orapidi.
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Okuni also introduced the county staff whom they employed in the first Town Council. They included Apadeete Grace Ingoba Apollo, Filex Marago, Faith Achiya, and Geoffrey Ochiri, among others.
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Okuni served as a member of the KANU youth leader. In 1979, he was a campaign manager of late Hon.Stephen Achiya Echakara, which enabled him to capture the Amagoro parliamentary seat in 1979-1987.
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Okuni later developed an interest in the political arena and vied for a councillorship for the Kamuriai Electoral unit in 1994. He won the elections and served as the area councillor from 1994 to 1997.
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He also served as a church leader, steering the church growth and development as the development chairperson. Okuni was also a renowned farmer in both crop and livestock production.
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ACK Katakwa Diocese Bishop John Okude described Okuni as a very courageous man who built St. James Kamuriai Parish and St Peters Osasame Sub Parish churches.
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There was drama when Teso North MP aspirant Felix Ipara arrived in style accompanied his โtroop โsoldiersโ halting Speeches for a couple of minutes until normalcy returned after viewing the body.
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