Nairobi: For many Kenyans, Peter Oloo Aringo was a familiar political figure, but for the residents of Siaya, he was a distinguished leader committed to championing the rights and development of the common man. Aringo, who passed away on Friday while receiving treatment at a Nairobi hospital, served as the Member of Parliament for Alego-Usonga constituency in Siaya County at various times and was also the national chairman of the Kenya African National Union (KANU) Party.
According to Kenya News Agency, Aringo’s influence is evident in the numerous freedoms enjoyed by ordinary Kenyans today. He played a pivotal role in the repeal of the Chiefs Act (Cap. 210) and the creation of the National Government Constituencies Development Fund, previously known as the Constituency Development Fund. His long-time personal assistant, Mathews Obwolo, highlighted Aringo’s vision that harambees, or fundraisings, were not sustainable for development and advocated for a structured government approach to funding rural projects
, which led to the establishment of CDF.
Obwolo also recounted Aringo’s opposition to the misuse of the Chiefs Act by provincial administrators, who exploited it to harass citizens and seize their property under the guise of contributing to development projects. Aringo’s legislative efforts contributed significantly to curbing these abuses.
Beyond national politics, Aringo was instrumental in local development, having been involved in establishing educational institutions like Barding, Hono, and Obambo secondary schools, as well as polytechnics such as Kosema and Ndere. He also initiated the construction of the Siaya County Information Office, demonstrating his dedication to improving local infrastructure.
Aringo’s legacy is marked by his strategic political maneuvers and ability to capitalize on opportunities. Obwolo recalled how Aringo persuaded President Moi to allow the construction of an information office in Siaya, leveraging a directive meant for another region to benefit his home district.
Born on
May 19, 1941, in Alego, Siaya District, Aringo pursued his education locally before attending St. Mary’s Secondary School, Yala. He trained as a teacher at Siriba College, Maseno, and later furthered his education in Canada, obtaining a Master of Arts degree and lecturing in African Politics.
Aringo’s political career began in earnest when he won the Alego-Usonga seat in 1974. Over the years, he held various ministerial positions, including Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Environment, Education, and Manpower Development. Despite facing political setbacks, such as losing his parliamentary seat and ministerial roles due to his opposition stance, Aringo remained a significant figure in Kenya’s political landscape.
Peter Oloo Aringo’s contributions to both national and local development have left a lasting impact on Kenya, particularly in Siaya County, where his efforts continue to benefit the community.