In the wake of the passing of former Education Minister Peter Castro Oloo Aringo, tributes have poured in from leaders across Kenya, celebrating his life and contributions to the nation.
Aringo, who also served as Alego Usonga MP, died on Friday evening November 1, 2024, at a hospital in Nairobi at the age of 83.
The news of his death was first shared by the current MP for Alego Usonga, Samuel Atandi Atandi, on his Facebook page.
“I break the sad news of the sudden demise of Hon.Peter Oloo Aringo, former Cabinet Minister and MP Alego Usonga. Hon. Aringo passed on this evening at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi. May his soul rest in Peace,” he said.
Siaya governor James Orengo mourned Aringo’s death in a post on social media on Saturday.
“I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Hon. Peter Oloo Aringo, an astute politician and talented debater.
“Peter initiated the constitutional changes that built the framework for the independence of parliament and creation of the Parliamentary Service Commission.
“When he exited government he joined the forces of change. I enjoyed working with him. Last night I spent time with his family at the Aga Khan Hospital following his passing on. Fare thee well,” Orengo wrote.
More condolences continued to pour in on Saturday.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula highlighted Aringo’s contributions to the House while paying his tribute.
“The effectiveness of Parliament’s operations is greatly attributed to Hon. Peter Castro Aringo, who championed for the establishment of the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) to support the welfare of MPs and staff.
“Today, I mourn this remarkable former legislator, whose selfless efforts led to greater service delivery to the nation.
“Hon. Aringo will be remembered as a visionary leader in our country.
“As Minister for Education, he oversaw the operationalization and stability of the 8-4-4 education system and was also instrumental in promoting institutes of technology across the provinces.
“On behalf of Parliament and myself, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Hon. Aringo’s family.
“May God comfort them in this time of loss, and may his soul rest in peace,” Wetang’ula wrote.
Former ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo expressed his shock upon learning of Aringo’s passing, revealing that he visited the deceased at his Nairobi residence on January 14, 2024, and had a lengthy conversation on various issues.
“It’s with great shock and utter disbelief that I have learnt of the demise of former Cabinet Minister Peter “Castro” Oloo Aringo.
“Early this year on 14th January 2024, I visited Hon. Oloo Aringo at his Nairobi residence where we had a lengthy conversation on various issues.
“We will remember Oloo Aringo as an eloquent and intelligent Cabinet Minister;an Avid Debator during his stint as MP; and subsequently as a pioneer of Kenya’s Parliamentary Service Comission(PSC).
“At this moment of grief, I join the family, friends, relatives, the people of Alego and Kenyans at large in mourning one of the most brilliant minds Kenya has ever produced,” Owalo wrote.
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris also paid tribute to Aringo, emphasizing his legacy as a dedicated public servant.
“Former Education Minister, Hon. Peter “Castro” Oloo Aringo’s legacy as a dedicated public servant and influential leader in Kenya’s education system will be cherished.
“He was instrumental in implementing the 8-4-4 education system, which aimed to enhance technical education and expand access to learning opportunities across the country.
“His leadership also saw the establishment of the Kenya Technical Trainers’ College and the expansion of the Kenya Science Teachers’ College, significantly impacting Kenya’s educational landscape.
“As we mourn his passing, our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Passaris wrote.
Aringo’s legacy
Throughout his career, Aringo was recognized for his dedication to advancing education and advocating for reforms that had lasting effects on the sector.
Many people have described him as a passionate supporter of equitable access to education, emphasizing his commitment to enhancing the educational framework in Kenya.
Aringo represented the Alego Constituency in the National Assembly during two separate periods, from 1974 to 1988 and again from 1997 to 2002.
He is particularly remembered as the only leader to have served in parliamentary leadership for a total of 25 years.
