Chris Msando’s mother dies

By Peter Ochieng

Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) manager Chris Msando’s mother is dead.

Maria Msando’s death was announced by Siaya governor James Aggrey Orengo, on Friday evening.

Orengo said she had the ability to deeply care for others.

“My heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and relatives of the late IEBC ICT Manager Chris Msando for the passing on of their family matriarch Mama Maria Msando. Mama had a magnetic personality and ability to care deeply for others that allowed her to cultivate many lasting relationships,” shared Orengo on social media.

His post attracted hundreds of reactions from Kenyans, who shared their condolence messages to the family of the late Msando.

“She agonised so much on the brutal killing of her son, that agony obviously shortened her life. If Chris was still a live Mamas life would have been much longer. Its alright, they firmly have the power they killed Chris for. May mama’s soul RIP,” wrote Ronny Raburu.

“Condolences to the family. Hope that Siaya County will give her a befitting send off,” said Rosemary Adegor.

“The death of Mama, is very painful as the young family members who are supposed to bury the older members of the family are the ones grasp away from you by the evil people in the name of elections, may Mama not rest in peace but assist Chris to seek justice,” added Samson Chaba.

“My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, relatives and all entire people of Ugenya-Siaya County,” said Philip Philipe.

Barry James said, “My sincere condolences to the family, it's so sad that mama Maria is gone without getting justice on who killed his son.”

Msando was found dead on July 31, 2017, just days before the 8 August elections.

He had gone missing few days before discovery of his body.

"There was no doubt he was tortured and murdered," said the commission's chairperson, Wafula Chebukati, then.

Over five years later, the mystery of his death lingers on.