Education is the passport for the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it.
These were the words from speakers who attended the special Mass for the late Nicholas Okara.
The mass was presided over by Father Waswa of Ejinja Parish and Father Remigius Munjerekha.
Hundreds of people turned out for the mass of the late Nicholas who passed on a few years ago.
Wakili Geoffrey Okara, the son of the late Nicholas has been hailed as a person who has interests of his people at heart, going by his engagements around.
The special occasion was graced by several education stakeholders in Matungu, who hailed Wakili Okara for being behind the impressive performances in Matungu schools as he knows what it takes to excel in exams.
Mr George Wekesa of St. Teresa’s Itete secondary school lauded Wakili Okara for what he has done for the school all aimed at better performance.
Okara who is the Chairperson of the Board of Management has always supported the school in very many ways including paying school fees for over 25 students at the school.
Our teachers are a motivated lot, students supported, early syllabus coverage and our sponsor is always close to us and this is what helps us shine academically.
Mrs Joyce Angoye, Principal Koyonzo Girls was represented by her able deputy who also praised Wakili Okara for being the best brains and one who means well for the next generation.
“Wakili is paying fees for over five students at ACK Koyonzo Girls and he recently took teachers from the school for a benchmarking session in Eldoret something that motivated teachers,” Ms Angoye said.
She added, “We understand that we can’t realize production in a hostile environment and Okara is doing everything humanly possible to see to it that schools that he has links with, post impressive results.”
Geoffrey is the Chairperson of the board at several schools including St Teresas Itete, St Gabriel Mirere Secondary and a board member at Koyonzo Girls, Mirere Primary and Marinda Primary.
Madam Jennifer Were, the headteacher of Marinda Primary School also had kind words for the Lawyer cum politician Okara as someone who has always been there for them as a school and promised to reciprocate the same whenever he will need them.
“I don’t give because I have much, but I give because I know how it feels to lack. I was born and raised here in the village, went to local schools around and I know what an empowered community or person can do,” he said.
He added, “We faced so many challenges while growing up and I believe, the only way we can change or make our life better is by embracing education.”
Being a politician cum a lawyer, several politicians attended the mass for the late Nicholas Okara including Kakamega Deputy Governor who is a bosom buddy to Wakili Geoffrey Okara.
Pundits aver that, Wakili Okara has a bright political future going by the sentiments made by every speaker who spoke at the event.
“We must fix this nation and the change starts by putting good leaders who have interests of the people at heart. This guy has clear intentions for his people and going forward we shall consider him,” pointed Hon Savula.
Mama Elizabeth Atsieno Okara described the late, Nicholas Okara, as a peace-loving husband.