Peter Oloo Aringo, the former Alego Usonga lawmaker, passed away yesterday while receiving treatment at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi, according to his family.

Familiarly known as “Ochok wang’e dongo,” which translates to “he who has large eyes resembling a Sodom apple,” Aringo was the longest-serving lawmaker for Alego Usonga, serving a total of 25 years.

Aringo was a notable figure in Kenyan politics, being one of the few Luo leaders to serve in the cabinet during President Daniel Moi’s administration, despite the Luo community’s opposition stance at the time.

Leaders across the political spectrum have praised him for his significant contributions to the country’s political landscape.

“I break the sad news of the sudden demise of Hon. Oloo Aringo, former Cabinet Minister and MP for Alego Usonga. Hon. Aringo passed on this evening at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi,” wrote current Alego Usonga MP, Samuel Atandi.

Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo added, “We will remember Oloo Aringo as an eloquent and intelligent Cabinet Minister, an avid debater during his stint as MP, and subsequently as a pioneer of Kenya’s Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC).”

Aringo first entered parliament in 1974 and served continuously until 1992, when he lost to Otieno Mk’Onyango.

He reclaimed his seat in 1997 but was unable to defend it in 2002, losing to Sammy Weya.

Aringo’s death marks the end of an era for a politician who played a crucial role in Kenya’s political development. His legacy as an astute lawmaker and a dedicated public servant will be remembered by many.