Vincent Ongore
Time flies. One moment, you are vibrant and full of energy; the next, you are but a shadow of your former self—and then, you are gone. It feels like only yesterday, in August 1990, during our graduation ceremony, that Oloo Aringo, then the Cabinet Minister for Education, left us in stitches with his linguistic flamboyance.
The occasion was a pivotal moment for the 8-4-4 education system, which was in its advanced stages of implementation. President Daniel Arap Moi, the chief guest and “Teacher Number One,” as Aringo referred to him, basked in the glory of his envisioned educational reforms. With his characteristic “Nyayo Rungu” in hand and polished shoes tapping on the red carpet, Moi beamed as Aringo eloquently expounded on the benefits of the 8-4-4 system.
“Your Excellency, sir, your presence amidst us today at this graduation ceremony is a clear manifestation of the love you have for the youth of this nation and your dedication to the 8-4-4 system of education, which is purely your brainchild,” Aringo declared with poetic charm, drawing applause from the audience.
Aringo was a wordsmith and a visionary, known for his unwavering commitment to any cause he championed. Whether in legislative debates, party duties, or mobilising his constituents, his focus was unmatched. Yet, despite his many accomplishments, he often found himself misunderstood, particularly during his tenure in the Kenya African National Union (KANU).
Sadly, the curtains have fallen on Peter Castro Oloo Aringo. At 83, he passed away at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi while undergoing treatment. As his body rests in a cold room, awaiting burial at his Kakan home in Alego Usonga, Siaya County, Kenya mourns one of its most illustrious sons.
Aringo’s legacy, however, is complex. He served as the KANU National Chairman during the height of the party’s dominance when Kenya was a de jure one-party state. This was a time when political dissent was crushed, and loyalty to President Moi was a prerequisite for survival in public life.
Aringo’s role as KANU Chairman at a time of widespread agitation for multiparty democracy made him a target of criticism. Some unfairly labelled him as complicit in KANU’s authoritarianism, associating him with Moi’s regime. However, as history reveals, the real architects of that era’s most oppressive policies operated within Moi’s inner circle, a group Aringo was not part of.
Indeed, Aringo was much more than a party loyalist. His contributions to Kenya’s education and legislative landscape were monumental. As Minister for Education, he oversaw the rollout of the 8-4-4 system and championed the establishment of institutions such as Moi University, Kenyatta University, Egerton University, and Maseno University. He also spearheaded the creation of technical institutes in all eight provinces, laying the groundwork for what is now an integral part of Kenya’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector.
In the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Aringo promoted the use of vernacular languages on national radio and television, fostering community-level development discussions. As Environment Minister, he established the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), a cornerstone of Kenya’s environmental policy.
Aringo’s legislative achievements were equally impactful. He introduced bills to create the Parliamentary Service Commission and the Parliamentary Budget Office, empowering the Legislature to operate independently of the Executive. His Affirmative Action Motion advanced constitutional safeguards against presidential overreach, including provisions for impeachment in cases of gross misconduct.
Aringo’s courage extended beyond policy. After the assassination of Foreign Minister Robert Ouko, Aringo was the only Cabinet member to publicly question the government’s role. This act of defiance led to his eventual resignation from the Cabinet and marked him as a man unafraid to stand by his principles.
Upon retiring from politics, Aringo continued to contribute as a consultant on parliamentary processes across Africa. His passion for empowering citizens through constitutional reforms remained undimmed, reflecting his lifelong dedication to public service.
Aringo’s dalliance with KANU and Moi was a matter of circumstance, not ideology, and should not overshadow his immense contributions to Kenya’s development. His legacy as an educator, legislator, and reformer will endure long after his passing.
Peter Castro Oloo Aringo leaves behind two widows, several children, and an indelible mark on Kenya’s history.
Go thee well, Peter Castro Oloo Aringo.
Professor Ongore teaches at the Technical University of Kenya
vincent.ongore@tukenya.ac.ke
