Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong has joined other leaders in sending condolence messages to the family, relatives and friends of Iteso legendary musician Obasie Palinyang, 83, which occurred on Saturday morning.
Ojaamong said the news of the demise of Mzee Palinyang is a big loss to the Iteso community who cherished his ideals in promoting the Iteso heritage through music.
Mzee Obasie was an icon on propagating the Iteso culture through music which was informative and educative to the community.
The deceased eldest son Charles Obasie said their father died after suffering a stroke which ended his checkered career in music that spans over six decades. The body is currently lying in Tanaka Funeral home in Busia.
Charles said his dad, who had no formal education, secured a casual job at Kaolo sugar plantation in Uganda. He used his earnings to purchase musical instruments including ‘’Akodian’ which he used till his demise.
‘’During the height of his career , my dad entertained Kenya’s founding father Mzee Jomo Kenyatta in Nakuru and Malaba and the late president Daniel Arap Moi at his Kabarak home and in Amagoro,’’ he said.
Among the songs which the legendary musician produced include Kaseutu Ojaamong, (let’s elect Ojaamong, Emuria Koliae, Kochoit Eseny, Abalang Kimusa , Eloo La Kotoi among many others
Deputy President William Ruto and Iteso Cultural Leader Emormor Papa Augustin Osuban are among high level leaders who have sent their condolences to the family of the fallen Iteso hero.