The family of former Ugandan Minister Aggrey Awori was surprised to find out that he had secretly dug a grave as an extension of his upcountry house in Eastern Uganda.
The daughter, Nafula Awori, was quoted by Uganda's Daily Monitor stating her father dug a grave inside his house but kept it a secret from the family.
His daughter revealed that the late Awori built the house which was always under lock and key, and dug his grave inside.
“We simply saw the house as any other extension because dad even kept it a secret to two of his confidants,” Nafula was quoted by the publication.
Most of the Awori family members in Kenya were not able to attend Aggrey's burial due to Covid-19 restrictions. However, the deceased's Kenyan relatives were represented by Toyota Kenya Chairman Dennis Awori, who is also a former Kenyan Ambassador to Japan.
Dennis read President Uhuru Kenyatta's message of condolence to the Awori family - eulogising the late former Minister as a charismatic leader who influenced the formulation of policies that are enjoyed by East Africans.
"I have always been inspired by the Awori family in the way they have continued to positively impact the lives of people in the East African region. We in Kenya are beneficiaries of Aggrey Awori's vision as he contributed to the growth of our media when he taught journalist at the University of Nairobi in the 1970s," Uhuru's condolence message read in part.
Aggrey was a Ugandan statesman and younger brother of former Vice President Moody Awori. He had been sick for the past month, pointing out that he had been suffering from blood pressure as well as other diseases.
He was a renowned Olympian and broke records during his time at Havard University by becoming the first person to win three events, the long jump, high hurdles and 60-yard dash.
Further, he contested for the Presidency during the Ugandan 2001 general elections and emerged third. Before retiring from active politics, Aggrey had been appointed as ICT minister by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni in 2009. He served for two years.
President Museveni gave the family Ksh2 million as a contribution to the former minister's sendoff.
Aggrey comes from one of the most prominent families in Kenya which has brought forth accomplished people in their respective fields.
Aggrey's sister Grace Wakhungu serves as a director for Erad Supplies and General Contract Limited. Grace is the mother to Susan Wakhungu Githuku- a former Coca-cola executive, Judy Wakhungu- a former Environment CS as well as Kenyan Ambassador to France. Grace's son, Ben Wakhungu works with the Kenya Red cross.
Aggrey's sibling, Mary Okello is Kenya's first woman bank manager and also the founder of Makini schools.
