THE NATION BIDS FAREWELL TO SOITA SHITANDA
President Uhuru Kenyatta today led thousands of mourners in paying their last respect to the fallen Luhya’s “Silent Warrior,” Hon. Peter Soita Shitanda, a ceremony that took place in Kakamega County at Tande Secondary School in Malava Sub-County.
The President praised the late former Malava Member of Parliament , Cabinet Minister and Chairman Agricultural Development Corporation for his resilience and dedication in serving the people of Malava Constituency and Kenyans at large.
President Uhuru confirmed that the rough Kakamega – Webuye road will be tarmacked soon after the court ruled in favor of the National Government in a case filed by the challenging the government’s move to terminate the contract on grounds of failure to meet deadlines. He promised to come back soon on development agenda.
Deputy President Hon. William Samoei Ruto appreciated the County Government’s One-Cow Initiative Program by saying the National Government will bring 30 milk coolers to support dairy farming in Kakamega County.
Kakamega County Governor H.E Hon. Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, flanked by his deputy H.E Hon. Prof. Philip Kutima, his wife H.E Priscilla Oparanya, County CEC Members and Staff, thanked the National Government for supporting the county in giving Hon. Soita a State burial. Governor Oparanya also appreciated President Uhuru’s leadership for supporting Mumias Sugar Company and asked him to extend the same to Butali and West Sugar Companies in Malava Sub-County.
Governor Oparanya reiterated the need for the National Government to speed up the construction of Kakamega-Webuye Road adding that once complete, it will contribute immensely to the county government’s efforts of making Western region an economic hub. Governor Oparanya winded up his brief speech by recognizing his fellow Hon. Governors Ken Lusaka (Bungoma) and Sospeter Ojaamong (Busia) who came to mourn with him.
Betty Soita, wife to the late Hon. Shitanda, termed him as a generous man whom many took advantage of. The widow, however, said her family will endevor support the less fortunate in the society as the late Soita did.
Other speakers who praised the late Hon. Soita Shitanda and agreed to foster Luhya Unity in his memory included Hon. C.S. Eugene Wamalwa, Hon. Musalia Mudavadi, Hon. Senators Moses Wetangula, Boni Khalwale and George Khaniri, Hon. Kenneth Marende, Hon. Cyrus Jiringo, Hon. MPs Malulu Injendi, Ben Washiali, Ayub Savula, Emmanuel Wangwe, Raphael Otalo and Anami Lisamula.
The funeral was also attended by Honorable Nominated Senators Beatrice Elachi and Daisy Kanainza, Hon. MPs, Hon. MCAs as well as men and women of decorum from Kenya and abroad.
Fare thee well our true “Silent Warrior,” Hon. Peter Soita Shitanda.