The Bukusu sub-tribe of the Luhyia community is mourning the death of a renowned preacher and leader Mzee John Ngonelo Wanyoyi Manguliech best known for presiding over funeral ceremonies of aged people in the Bukusu society.

He passed on Thursday at Webuye District Hospital while undergoing diabetes treatment.

At his home in Miruri village, Kimilili District of Bungoma County a somber engulfed with everyone in deep sorrow for having lost a great leader.

Manguliech will be remembered for having been feted by the President of the Republic of Kenya Mwai Kibaki as a hero during last year’s hero's day.

Born in 1930 in the (Bameme) sub clan, Manguliech had three wives, two of which passed on with the only surviving being Rosemary Nakhumicha.(right)

He sired 21 children, 61 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. One of his sons Robert Wafula, said he has lost a mentor and a true legend especially after having been invited in parliament during the opening of the ninth parliament.

His body is being preserved at the Webuye District Mortuary as plans for his burial goes on.