Nairobi County Secretary Godfrey Akumali has joined a chorus of leaders in mourning the untimely passing of his Vihiga counterpart, Ezekiel Ayiego, who tragically collapsed and died in his house on Wednesday. The sudden loss has left many in shock, as Ayiego was widely regarded as a dedicated public servant, a hardworking administrator, and a vital member of the County Secretaries Forum.
In his statement, Akumali described Ayiego as a resourceful and committed individual whose work ethic and dedication will be greatly missed, not only by the residents of Vihiga County but also by colleagues across the country. “I take this opportunity to extend my deepest condolences to the family, relatives, friends, and the people of Vihiga for losing a dedicated servant and leader,” Akumali said, expressing his heartfelt sympathy.
Ayiego, who had served as Vihiga County Secretary and Head of Public Service, passed away unexpectedly after returning home from work. His sudden collapse at his residence has raised concerns, and a post-mortem examination is set to be conducted to determine the cause of death. This has further compounded the sadness, as Ayiego’s unexpected departure has left a void in the public service sector, particularly in Vihiga County, where he had been a dedicated figure for many years.
Born on October 20, 1967, in Ingidi village within Lugaga Wamuluma Ward of Vihiga Constituency, Ayiego’s roots were firmly grounded in education before venturing into public service. Prior to his career in county government, he served as the principal of Chesamisi High School. His deep passion for education and public service were evident in his work, and it was these attributes that made him a natural transition into politics. His contribution to the educational sector, both as a teacher and administrator, left an indelible mark on the community, and his subsequent service as a county administrator further solidified his legacy.
Following his death, messages of condolences poured in from across the country, with the Council of Governors (CoG) sending a heartfelt tribute to the family, friends, and residents of Vihiga County. CoG Chairman Ahmed Abdullahi expressed deep sadness at Ayiego’s passing, highlighting his significant role in the County Secretaries Forum. Abdullahi remembered Ayiego as a passionate educator and an efficient public servant who was instrumental in driving change and innovation within the county governments. “His contributions to the County Secretaries Forum will forever be cherished. On behalf of the Council of Governors and the 47 county governments, please accept our earnest thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” he said.
Governor Wilbur Ottichilo of Vihiga County, who worked closely with Ayiego, also expressed his sorrow at the loss. “It is with deep sadness that we have learnt of the untimely demise of Ezekiel Ayiego. He was a committed administrator, educator, change advocate, and a dear friend to me and many others,” said Ottichilo. He recalled how Ayiego had worked tirelessly in reforming the Vihiga County Public Service, forging a path for improved governance and service delivery within the county. “He served as a highly efficient county secretary in my administration, where we diligently collaborated to reform the Vihiga County Public Service,” Ottichilo added.
Ayiego’s contributions to the Vihiga County Government and the wider public service sector will be remembered fondly. His work as an administrator, his unwavering commitment to education, and his dedication to transforming the public service will leave a lasting impact. His sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the public sector, where he was seen as a leader who was always ready to offer guidance and support.
As the people of Vihiga and the broader community grapple with this great loss, they are left to remember Ezekiel Ayiego not just for his professional achievements but for his personal integrity, kindness, and the positive change he inspired in others.
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