A British-born man who built seven health centers in western Kenya and has been living in abject poverty in Kakamega is dead.
Barry Leonard succumbed to cancer of the ear at his humble home in Malava, Kakamega North sub-county, at the age of 80.
He had battled the disease for long but it recently got worse and had rendered him immobile for the last several months.
Barry was diagnosed with an ulcerated right ear swelling in 2017 and has been under medication for the past two years.
He is said to have arrived in Kenya for the first time in 1976 after the government signed an agreement with the British to send professional builders to oversee construction projects in Kenya.
When he arrived, he was posted to western Kenya where it is believed he oversaw the construction and upgrading of St Luke's Hospital-Kaloleni, Dreamland Medical Centre Kaptola-Kimilili, Nala Community Hospital – Kakamega, Sirisia, Naitiri, Mautuma and Sio Port health centers.
In a past interview, the Briton narrated how the Kenyan government convinced him to stay longer even after he had accomplished his professional obligations.
From his work, Barry amassed a lot of wealth with land being one of his major possessions before applying for Kenyan citizenship.
Barry found love in the country and even had a wedding at the Anglican Church of Kenya in Kakamega. However, the union did not last long.
Though it was not clear how he lost his wealth, he lived his twilight years in abject poverty coupled with a series of illnesses, hardly had anything to eat.
His first-born son, a boda-boda rider, would feed him alongside contributions from neighbours and well-wishers.
Poverty took a toll on Barry which forced the neighbours to contribute and build him a mud-walled one-roomed house that he lived in till his death.
According to reports by The Standard, the villagers described him as a one-time influential man who touched the lives of many through his architectural services and philanthropic activities.
His son called on the government to assist him in footing for burial expenses.
