Kenyan Political Stalwart and Ex-Minister Oloo Aringo Dies After Illness
Kenya is mourning the loss of a distinguished public servant, former Cabinet Minister and Alego Usonga Member of Parliament, Oloo Aringo, who passed away on Friday, November 1. His passing was confirmed by Alego Usonga MP Sam Atandi, who announced the sad news via Twitter, revealing that Aringo had been receiving treatment at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi.
“I break the sad news of the sudden demise of Oloo Aringo, former Cabinet Minister & MP Alego Usonga. Aringo passed on this evening at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi,” shared Atandi. Aringo’s contributions to Alego Usonga and the nation at large have left an indelible mark on Kenyan politics.
Aringo’s political career spanned decades, with his first term as Alego Usonga MP from 1974 to 1988 and a second term from 1997 to 2002. He became known for his impactful role as Minister for Education under President Daniel arap Moi, where he spearheaded the implementation of the transformative 8-4-4 education system—a framework that redefined Kenya’s educational structure and is widely regarded as a cornerstone of his legacy.
In addition to his work in education, Aringo was instrumental in legislative moves to grant public status to Moi, Maseno, and Egerton universities, strengthening the country’s higher education landscape. His tenure also saw the government’s endorsement of technology institutes across Kenya’s eight provinces, setting the stage for nationwide technical education through local fundraising.
Eliud Owalo, Deputy Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of the President, paid tribute to Aringo, describing him as “an eloquent and intelligent Cabinet Minister; an avid debater during his stint as MP; and a trailblazer for Kenya’s Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC).” Owalo expressed his shock at the former minister’s passing, reminiscing about a recent meeting where they discussed national development. “Early this year on 14th January 2024, I visited Hon. Oloo Aringo at his Nairobi residence where we had a lengthy conversation on various issues,” Owalo shared.
Aringo’s academic journey was equally distinguished. He attended St. Mary’s School in Yala, Kenya, and went on to earn a first-class bachelor’s degree in history, economics, and politics from the University of Nairobi. His academic pursuits took him abroad, earning him a scholarship from the Commonwealth to study international comparative education at the University of Toronto in Canada.
University lecturer Nicholas Kut Ochogo, who contested the Alego Usonga parliamentary seat in 2022, also mourned Aringo, recounting a recent meeting with the former MP. “It is barely one month since we met, and now you are gone. I am traumatized upon hearing your sudden demise. May your soul RIP,” Ochogo shared.
Oloo Aringo’s passing at 83 marks the end of an era for Kenyan politics and public service, leaving behind a legacy of educational reform and dedicated leadership.
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Kenyan Political Stalwart and Ex-Minister Oloo Aringo Dies After Illness
