Having represented West Mugirango as a Member of Parliament for nine months, George Justus Morara’s legacy is now being honored more than fifty years after his passing. Morara, a charismatic and up-and-coming politician, tragically lost his life in a suspicious car accident in September 1970.
During his campaign, Morara popularized the symbol of Egesora Nyabirore, commonly known as a spectacled dragon, a name that strongly connected with the electorate. While Morara may not be a household name nationally, his influence is deeply rooted in the Gusii region, with his name prevalent across villages and clans in Nyamira and Kisii counties.
Only two days before his death, Morara had demanded that the government reveal the truth about who was responsible for the assassination of Tom Mboya, a cabinet minister killed in downtown Nairobi. There were concerns that the conviction of Mboya’s assassin was being concealed, but Morara stated that he had spotted the suspect while in Zambia.
Morara quickly gained popularity before his untimely death, which was never fully examined. Many boys born shortly after and in the years following his passing were given his name.
Similar to numerous African societies, the naming of children was a complex procedure, yet there were names that went beyond sub-clan and lineage distinctions. It was documented that Morara passed away in a traffic accident while returning to Kisii from Kakamega.
Reportedly, he collided head-on with a police land rover traveling in the opposite direction on the winding roads of Nandi Hills as they descended towards the plains. At that time, he held the position of Chair of the Public Accounts Committee in Parliament.
He attended a work-related meeting in Kakamega. His family continues to grapple with the puzzling death of their patriarch, a rising figure in the community and at the national level. The circumstances surrounding his passing remain a mystery.
THE HOME
The Late George Justus Morara Hailed from Gesore on the outskirts of Nyamira Town, just a stone’s throw away from the well-known Konate junction along Kisii-Chemosit Road. Konate is the local dialect’s term for Corner-T.
The area has produced notable figures such as the late independence Senator George Kebaso and Senator Mong’are Bwokong’o (who served from 2013 to 2017). Prominent individuals like retired Chief Justice David Maraga, former athlete Tom Nyariki, the late first governor of Nyamira John Nyagarama, among others, also originate from this region.
Dr. Matunda Nyanchama of Nsemia Publishers mentioned that in addition to Morara’s efforts in advocating for the construction of the Kisii-Chemosit Road (which was eventually completed during the NARC regime), he also championed for the elevation of Nyamira Division to sub-district status.
The status elevation occurred during the 1990s, leading to the establishment of Nyamira County. This development brought about Nyamira District Hospital, now a referral facility, and the Nyamira Water Project, benefiting the residents of Nyamira and its environs.
Alfred Nyagaka Nyamwange, an educator and the author of The Blood Stains, highlights the enduring impact of Morara’s advocacy efforts, despite his untimely passing in 1970. Nyamwange reminisces about the challenging journey from Nyamira to Kisii in the mid-90s, characterized by a meandering, lengthy, and muddy route.
He recounts the difficulties faced by women travelers who paid more for transportation as men frequently had to assist in pushing vehicles stuck in the mud, resulting in arduous and dirty trips. Reflecting on the lack of progress in the region, particularly in essential infrastructure and higher education institutions, Dr. Matunda praises Morara as a forward-thinking leader who made a significant impact during his brief tenure.
Dr. Matunda suggests that naming a road or public facility after Morara would be a fitting tribute to his legacy. Furthermore, Dr. Matunda recalls Morara’s associations with influential figures like JM Kariuki and GG Mutiso, who faced challenges with the government at the time.
He acknowledges JM’s contributions to education infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of understanding history to shape the present and future. Prof. Herman Kiriama of Kisii University underscores Morara’s initiative in proposing a motion for the government to establish a technology institute in each district, a proposal that influenced the establishment of institutions like Kisii National Polytechnic, formerly known as Gusii Institute of Technology (GIT), in Kisii.
