Vihiga Deputy Governor (DG) Dr. Patrick Saisi has urged residents of Kaptech village in Muhudu Ward of Hamisi Sub County to accord the late Afro Twist legend John Amutabi Nzenze a befitting send off.
Saisi made the appeal when he visited and condoled with family, relatives and friends of the music maestro on Wednesday evening.
He was accompanied by County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Public Service, Administration and Coordination of County Affairs, Mrs. Pamela Kimwele and area Member of County Assembly (MCA) Mr. Calystus Ayodi among other county officials.
“We are here to condole with the bereaved on behalf of the county government ahead of the late Nzenze’s final send off this Saturday,” said Saisi.
The deputy county boss handed over to the family Sh.100,000 contribution from the county government.
“The money is meant to ensure the late music great is accorded a decent send off,” said Saisi who assured the family of the county government’s support throughout this difficult moment.
He appealed to the late Nzenze’s family, friends, fans and fellow musicians to adhere to Ministry of Health guidelines currently in force as the country struggles to fight spread of the novel Covid-19.
“Even as we mourn and prepare to bury the departed music legend, we must adhere to the present health guidelines in order to keep our community safe from the contagious coronavirus,” said Saisi.
“We are aware many people would want to attend Nzenze’s burial. However, the County Security Team led by our able County Commissioner Mr. Ochilo Oyugi will ensure the event is restricted to only few family members and fellow musicians,” the DG added.
Nzenze’s body will be removed from St. Elizabeth Mukumu Mission Hopsital in Kakamega County on Friday to his Kaptech home for burial on Saturday.
The late Nzenze will be remembered as one of the pioneer artistes behind the popular “Kenyan Twist” music genre of the 1960s.
Some of Nzenze’s memorable songs include Angelike, Ninamlia Susana, Veronica, Ni Vizuri kuwa na Bibi, Marashi ya Warembo, Jerida, Kumbuka Nyumbani among other great hits.
Since his retirement from active music in 2016, Nzenze had been leading a quiet life at his home in Kaptech village. He has left behind a widow with one daughter and four sons.
By Maurice Aluda
