As the Bukusu tribe of the Luhyia community and the family of the deceased sage Wanyonyi Manguliech struggle to come to term with his death, several leaders continue to send messages of condolence terming him as a true legend.

While visiting the late Manguliech’s home nominated Member of Parliament Musikari Kombo said the community has lost a dependable preacher (omukambisi) whose deeds will be remembered all over the country especially on the good advice to politicians.

He further said that Manguliech had curved a niche for himself in the community and his services as a traditional Bukusu preacher will be dearly be missed by the community as well as his cultural upholds during burial ceremonies.

“We as Luhyia community need to be united to show the best tribute to the late Wanyonyi Manguliech having been one of the great people this land has ever produced,” said Kombo.

Nominated Mp Musikari Kombo at the lates' home of Miruri where he send his condolences. Photo | Eric Lumbasi

Meanwhile, the funeral arrangements are underway at the homestead with a committee constituted to oversee the how the ceremony will be conducted.

One of the committee members Maurice Wanjala said that they have agreed to have him laid to rest on Saturday 7th July 2012, at his home in Miruri village of Kimilili district in Bungoma County.

He further disclosed that the body will leave Webuye District Hospital on Thursday for his home where they are liaising with the Catholic Church of whom he was a member to conduct the funeral mass expected to be held at Miruri high school on Saturday before his burial.

In the committee one of the members Wasike Mutoro had raised a query that the late Wanyonyi Manguliech had wished not to be buried in a casket but to be wrapped in a cow skin due the nature of life he led.

However, it later emerged that he later came to change his mind regarding the issue and conceded to be buried in a casket, but they further agreed to slaughter a cow and lay the skin in the grave, then putting on the casket as a way of expressing respect to their culture.

Manguliech died after a long time illness from diabetes which dates back after conducting a preaching ceremony at the late Vice President Michael Wamawa Kijana’s home in 2003.

His children had taken him for treatment at several hospitals including Kitale, Webuye, and Nairobi for treatment, but there was no change until 2007 when Hon Musikari Kombo took him back to Webuye hospital where the doctor recommended for his leg be amputated.

Mzee Manguliech’s family comprises of 22 children, 10 sons and 12 daughters, 80 grandchildren and 140 great grand children.