• Makokha died aged 88 at Aga Khan Hospital in Kisumu after leading the church for 50 years.
• He is survived by his widow Grace Makokha and five children — a son and four girls.
Covid-19 regulations were thrown out of the window as the Church of God in East Africa followers thronged Ibubi village in Vihiga to bid farewell to their departed leader archbishop Byrum Makokha.
Makokha died aged 88 at Aga Khan Hospital in Kisumu after leading the church for 50 years. He is survived by his widow Grace Makokha and five children — a son and four girls.
The archbishop was eulogised by many as a great leader who did tremendous work to strengthen the Church in East Africa and establish learning institutions.
Among the learning centres in the Western region that were established under his leadership are Emusire Boys', Mwilila Boys', Ebulonga Mixed, Mumboha Mixed, Ibubi Girls' and Bunyore Girls and other theological institutions.
ANC party leader Musalia Mudavadi urged the East Africa Church of God not to involve politicians in their transition.
Mudavadi said the worst mistake they can do is to involve the political class in the transition as they will split the church.
“Politicians like shortcuts in everything they do as much as it is of their benefit,” Mudavadi said.
Mudavadi also urged politicians not to interfere with the transition process as the church has its own constitution that should guide them. They do not need outside interference in the matter, he said.
The ANC party boss said church unity can only be achieved through a peaceful transition following the church constitution.
Cotu secreatry general Francis Atwoli and other leaders agreed with Mudavadi's remarks.
Several other leaders joined Mudavadi to mourn the cleric. Area MP Chris Omulele and MPs Omboko Millemba (Emuhaya), Majority Whip in National Assembly Emanuel Wangwe, Mwambu Mabonga (Bumula), Chris Aseka (Khwiselo) and Bernard Shinali (Ikolomani) were present.
Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, Kivutha Kibwana of Makueni, ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna were also present.
Mudavadi said Makokha was on the frontline in the fight against corruption. “We leaders we should take that seriously to keep his legacy,” he said.
Mudavadi said there is a need to fight corruption in this country to stabilise the Kenyan’s economy.