National Cohesion and Reconciliation Commission (NCIC) vice chairperson Mary Onyango died at the Aga Khan Hospital, Kisumu March 31, 2012. FILE
By NATION Reporter
Posted Saturday, March 31 2012 at 11:06
Posted Saturday, March 31 2012 at 11:06
The vice chairperson of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission Mary Onyango dies at the Aga Khan Hospital, Kisumu.
Ms Onyango, who has been receiving treatment for cancer, passed on Saturday.
NCIC chairman Mzalendo Kibunjia said he was saddened by the news.
"I have just received the news this morning. It is very sad," he told the Nation on phone.
In his condolence message, President Kibaki said the country "has not only lost a peace crusader but also a dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly through the NCIC and other forums to reconcile Kenyans and ensure peace prevailed during and after the next general election".
Prime Minister Raila Odinga mourned Ms Onyango describing her as a "peace ambassador".
"Mary epitomised great passion for the integration of our country. She showed in word and action that she was an unyielding peace ambassador who loved her country and its values," said Mr Odinga in a statement.
The PM said she was determined to ensure that the next General Election would be conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.
"Only two weeks ago, she took me through the Commission’s plan to ensure the next elections are held in an atmosphere of peace and trust, a feat she believed would be achieved through the Kenya Kwanza Campaign.
"She was clearly determined to play a big role in shaping our history, managing our delicate present, and secure our future," mourned Mr Odinga.
Mr Odinga urged Kenyans to maintain peace and reach out to each other in honour of her legacy of seeing a united country.
"All of us that she touched mourn her loss. In her honour, let us remain mindful that her critical work-- of making Kenya a safer, unified and more peaceful place – must continue, as she would have wanted most of all," he said.
"We must carry forward her legacy. In her honour, we must not falter or fail in our search for unity and understanding among our people."
Ms Onyango last official function was on Thursday last week when she and other commissioners witnessed the signing of the Peace Charter by Mr Odinga.
During the function, she criticised politicians for polarising the country and using the tribal card to achieve selfish ends.
“The feeling of Kenyans is that we don’t have a nation called Kenya but a conglomeration of ethnic nations. This charter is basically about service beyond self," she said.
The Peace Charter lists non-discrimination based on tribe, race or religion, integrity, tolerance and inclusivity as key values that every Kenyan must support to avoid any future inter-community skirmishes.
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