Former minister Oloo Aringo eulogised as a hero

Former cabinet minister, Peter Oloo Aringo was on Saturday, November 23, eulogized as the architect of Kenya’s current political and governance structure during his tenure as a Member of Parliament.

Speaking during the late Aringo’s funeral at his home in Nyachwinya village on the outskirts of Siaya town, leaders led by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetangula, Energy Cabinet Secretary, Opiyo Wandayi and Siaya Governor James Orengo said the bold steps taken by the deceased to fight for the independence of Parliament changed the whole game plan, making legislators gain control of the August House.

“Oloo Aringo is a hero of all time, his efforts brought the Parliamentary Service Commission that changed Parliament’s identity," he said.

Wetangul'a said that with the passing of the bill that later was accented to, Parliament became independent, determining its calendar, and business and having committees to properly oversight the executive.

The speaker said that before the Aringo bill, Parliament was an extension of the Office of the President.

He called on Kenyans to be patriotic and united and avoid indulging in issues that would divide the country.

His remarks were echoed by Orengo who said the country cannot risk going back to the dark days.

Orengo called on the current Members of Parliament to jealously safeguard the democratic gains the country has made over the years and not shy away from pointing out the wrongs in the government.

 “I am pleading with the members of parliament and even senior government officers to learn from the late Aringo that when something is wrong, it must be pointed out,” said Orengo.

 “I want to ask our people –you better swim in the open sea with a fish than fight in the mud with wines.” 

Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, Wandayi and Alego–Usonga legislator, Samuel Atandi hailed the former minister for information and broadcasting as a principled man who was committed to his country.

Oburu said Aringo brought to an end the culture of hiring and firing ministers and other presidential appointees over the radio through the radical changes that his bill introduced to make parliament independent.

Wandayi on the other hand hailed Aringo as a man who was committed to his convictions.

“When he chose to work with KANU, he remained loyal to the party and its leadership. When the time came for him to leave and join our movement, he remained principled and committed to it,” said the cabinet secretary.

Atandi said Aringo’s boldness has seen citizens benefit from the taxes they pay through constituency development funds among others.

The burial was also attended by the deputy chief of staff in the president’s office, Eliud Owalo, Raphael Tuju, Fred Gumo, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and legislators Nabii Nabwera and Raphael Wanjala among others.

The late Peter Oloo Aringo was born on May 19, 1941.

He died on November 1 while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Nairobi.