Kenyans on Saturday woke up to the sad news that Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Joseph Nkaissery had passed on.
While his demise may be taken as the death of yet another influential leader, Kenyans.co.ke delved into the matter, comparing his life with that of former Internal Security Minister Prof George Saitoti.
The two had interesting facts about their lives being respected elders and kingpins of the Maa Community. Some of the aspects of their lives include;
1. Served in the Ministry of Security
Prof George Saitoti and Joseph Nkaissery diligently served in the powerful Ministry of security up to the time of their death.
Saitoti served in the coalition government in the Ministry of Internal Security and Provincial Administration until his sudden death in 2012.
Under the Jubilee administration, this changed to the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government with Nkaissery holding the position from December 2014.
2. Died Aged 67
At the time of their deaths, the two leaders were 67 years old and were approaching their 68th birthday. They were both looked upon as a father figure to their respective communities and their colleagues held them highly.
3. Abrupt Death
Although they died under different circumstances, their deaths came unexpectedly since none of them had been hospitalised or had any known life-threatening conditions.
Saitoti perished in a plane accident on June 10, 2012 on his way to a fundraiser in Homabay catching the nation by surprise.
Nkaissery's death was equally a surprise to many who had interacted with him just a few hours before passing on. The CS was present at a prayer meeting held at Uhuru Park on Friday and appeared to be in perfect health.
Reports indicate that he was taken to Karen Hospital where he died shortly afterwards.
4. Died Before Election
Both Nkaissery and Saitoti had immense support and political influence among the Maasai community and across the nation. Coincidentally, the two leaders met their deaths close to the General Election.
Nkaissery died just 30 days to the August election while Saitoti passed on nine months to the polls at a time when political alliances were being formed in readiness for the 2013 election.
[caption caption="File photo of George Saitoti and Joseph Nkaissery"]
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5. Leaders of the Maa Community
Prior to the deaths, the two had been installed as Maasai elders and were tasked with giving the community directions on key issues including politics. They both served as members of parliament from Kajiado County.
Saitoti was a long time MP of Kajiado North while his counterpart Nkaissery served for seven years as Kajiado Central lawmaker.
