I have learnt with a deep sense of sadness and trepidation the passing on of Mzee Wabwoba Mukhamule Walinywa, who until his demise served as a member of the Board of Bungoma Municipality.
Mzee Walinywa was many things in one. He was the consummate communicator, the free-speaking diplomat, an accomplished businessman and a political animal body, soul and spirit.
Mzee Walinywa served this country in many senior capacities including working as a broadcaster, information officer at the US Embassy in the US and Communications Director at Kenya Airways at a time it was a rarity to find one of us in such distinguished positions.
Walinywa was many things to me and my family. He was the elder brother and trusted friend who always budged into my office to speak his mind whenever he needed to.
Like myself, Mr Walinywa was a student to Mr Raphael Wesonga – my father-in-law at St Mary’s Kibabii. Walinywa would later give Caroline Wangamati and the First Lady her first job at Bumula Chemist in Bungoma and Countrywide Pharmaceuticals that he co-owned with Dr Walela in Nairobi.
It’s during the time Caroline worked at Bumula Chemist that I met her and our first date came on the evening after her day at the chemist.
Countless times, I would visit Caroline at her workplace in Nairobi. All this time, Mr Walinywa was nothing but kind to Caroline and myself – acting more like a father and elder brother to both of us, giving us counsel and teaching us in the way of life.
We have lost a man full of wisdom, a gentleman given to serving his community and a dreamer who believed in the power of industry.
We will miss his quit wit and great humour.
Rest in peace Mzee Walinywa.
H.E. (Hon) Wycliffe Wafula Wangamati
Governor Bungoma County