This archive report was first published on 5 August 2019.
On Wednesday, the body of Chris Atema Masaka, son of Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali, will be flown back to Kenya from the US. Masaka, a 35-year-old US marine, drowned in a swimming pool in Arizona last week while on holiday.
According to Robert Ayisti, Masaka's brother, the drowning occurred as the deceased attempted to rescue a young girl from drowning. Ayisti stated that Masaka had been in Arizona for only one day when the incident happened.
A special service was conducted in Iowa where Masaka's colleagues paid their last tributes before the body is flown to Kenya. The MP, who has been in the US, has made arrangements for the body to be flown to Kenya anytime on Wednesday.
Two committees are working on funeral arrangements, with one based in Nairobi and another in Ikolomani. Navakholo MP Emanuel Wangwe has been coordinating both committees.
The family expressed gratitude to leaders who have stood with them during this trying moment. Masaka could be buried this weekend, according to the family.
