This archive report was first published on 11 July 2020.
Former Cabinet minister Protus Kebati Momanyi, who served under President Daniel Moi's regime, has passed away at the age of 82. His family is now pleading for help to offset his Ksh1.5 million medical bill accrued at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) during his treatment.
According to John Momanyi, the funeral committee chairperson, the former legislator's family exhausted their finances in 2019 on his son's treatment. They also spent a significant amount on Momanyi's diabetes treatment.
John Momanyi urged well-wishers from the Gusii area, MPs, and the National and County governments to help raise money for the former minister's funeral.
Protus Momanyi was a renowned figure in his community, being the first accredited engineer from Kisii region and the first native of Kisii to join the University of Nairobi. He was also a former MP for the Bonchari Constituency and served as a Minister for Tourism and Wildlife during his time in elective politics.
He unsuccessfully ran for the South Mugirango parliamentary seat in 1969 and 1979, but won the Bonchari Constituency MP seat in 1988. After being trounced in subsequent elections, Momanyi retreated to the village, where he led a quiet life as a commercial farmer until his death.
