Former president Uhuru Kenyatta described the late Prof. Richard Alex Nyabera Magoha, the younger brother of the late former Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. George Magoha, as a dynamic person whose contribution left an indelible mark in various sectors.
Speaking on Saturday, January 28, in Gem, Siaya County, the facilitator of the East African Community noted that the country appreciated his industrious service to humanity and his pertinent role in the health industry.
Former Defence CS Eugene Wamalwa delivered Uhuru's message.
"I pay tribute to Professor Richard Nyabera for his great achievement in various spheres. It goes without saying that Professor as he was fondly called by his friends and peers, was one of the most understanding and patriotic sons in our republic.
"As a country, we appreciate his long and illustrious service to humanity and his role in shaping the lives of others by imparting crucial knowledge," read the statement in part.
The deceased’s elder brother John Obare noted that the family constantly communicated with Nyabera's friends in the USA to know of his condition. They pointed out that his condition had deteriorated before his untimely passing.
“It is not easy, we as a family had spoken to some of his friends. One of them is Prof. Obuong, he gave me a picture of what happened and the state in which Richard was and I knew Richard was not going to be there for long.
"Biologically he was gone so as you saw there, those who knew about Richards’s condition had a terrific time. But we were all created by the same God and at his own time He takes us away,” Obare remarked.
County Commissioner Nyamira Josephine Onunga encouraged the family to take heart during this difficult period.
“This is a journey that we are all meant to go through, and it is better for all of us to prepare. Personally, I leave here in a different mood. I came here to mourn but I leave here strengthened," Onunga added.
The 68-year-old is survived by his wife, Janet Achieng Magoha and three children Crystal Magoha, Ashley Magoha and Bernard Magoha.
The late professor George Magoha, on the other hand, passed on hours before the body of his younger brother landed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has since promised that the government would facilitate Magoha's burial which is slated for February 11, 2023.
This includes airlifting the body to the burial site in Siaya County from Nairobi to the provision of food, and supplies as well as adequate security.
"We have dedicated three senior government officials to work with your family that is CS Owalo (Eliud), PS Raymond Omollo, and the Chief of Staff in my office. We have done that deliberately because they are your sons," Gachagua stated
