Information Communication Technology, Innovation and Youth Affairs Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru has eulogized the late John Kipkoech Saina as a prolific writer who mentored several trainees and interns while in service.
The CS said the late Saina supervised many young men and women from across media institutions who sought attachment and internship in the various stations he served in.
Photos Kibet Cheptumo
In a message of condolence to the family read on his behalf by Head of KNA Joseph Kipkoech during his funeral service Wednesday, Mucheru said the deceased was a seasoned journalist who served in the Department of Information in a career spanning 25 year adding that the late Saina was a great team player who worked amicably with colleagues and other government officers.
“Messages of condolence to the family and the Department pouring in since his death is proof that he had positively touched the lives of many,” said the CS adding that the Ministry, particularly the Department of Information would greatly miss his skills and commitment to duty.
He prayed to God to grant John’s family peace and strength to bear the loss and to enable them uphold the values he instilled in them so that he is truly immortalized.
Saina, who until his death on Friday July 17, 2020 served as the County Information Officer West Pokot, passed on while receiving colon cancer treatment at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, MTRH Eldoret.
Colleagues in the Department of Information paid tribute to the deceased during the funeral held on July 22, 2020 saying the late Saina was soft spoken, non-controversial and honest.
Other mourners who attended the funeral at his Sumbeiywo Farm, Flax in Ainabkoi sub county, Uasin Gishu County also praised the late Saina saying he was hardworking both in his official employment as well as in his community.
Ainabkoi MP William Chepkut said the community had lost a committed and dedicated member who fully participated in activities touching on them.
Chepkut said Saina worked as a professional journalist who abhorred exaggeration or sensationalism when reporting. “He reported his stories as it is, calling white white and black as black,” said the MP.
West Pokot County Commissioner Apollo Okello eulogized the late Saina as a dedicated officer who undertook his duties diligently.
The late Saina joined the Ministry of Information in January 1995 and was posted to Kabarnet station in Baringo County after a short stint at Nyayo House in Nairobi. He was later transferred to Eldama Ravine where he served for a long time before moving to Kitale in Trans Nzoia County.
The deceased also served in briefly in Kapsokwony, in the then Mt Elgon District before moving to West Pokot County where he served until his demise.
Born on April 6, 1968 at Kaptarakwa, Elgeyo Marakwet County, to the late Benjamin Kipsaina Komen and the late Flora Sote Kipsaina, he was the last in a family of five siblings.
He started his primary education at Flax mixed day and boarding primary school in 1975 and later went to Timboiywo boarding primary school in Baringo County where he sat and passed his CPE in 1986 then joined Kituro high school for his secondary education.
After KCSE in 1988, the late Saina proceeded to Sacho High School for his advance level education Kenya Advance Certificate of Education (KACE) before proceeding to the discontinued mandatory Pre-university NYS programme and later to Moi University for a BA degree. In 1995 Saina enrolled for a Post graduate certificate course in Journalism at the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication, KIMC and a post graduate diploma in 1999.
Saina leaves behind a wife Gladys Jepchirchir Cherono and four children, Angela, Vivian, Dennis and Emmanuel and two grandchildren.
By Kiptanui Cherono
