Leaders and residents of Kisumu gathered at St. Stephen’s ACK Church in Milimani for a solemn requiem mass honoring the late county minister Salmon Orimba, with Governor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o leading mourners in paying tribute to a man widely remembered for humility, loyalty and quiet dedication to public service.
The service brought together senior county officials, family members, colleagues and friends who assembled to celebrate the life of the long-serving County Executive Committee Member who held the docket of Public Service, County Administration and Participatory Development in the Kisumu County government.
Among those present were Deputy Governor Mathew Owili, the Second Lady Antonia Owili, senior county executives and Kisumu City Manager Michael Abala Wanga, alongside members of the public who came to pay their last respects.
Delivering a heartfelt tribute during the church service, Governor Nyong’o described the late Orimba as a calm and dependable administrator whose quiet leadership style left a lasting imprint on the county’s governance.
“A man of quiet strength. A patient and thoughtful leader. A loyal colleague devoted to public service,” the governor said. “For more than fourteen years, I had the privilege of knowing Salmon. In my administration he served diligently, carrying out every responsibility with integrity, humility and unwavering commitment to the people of Kisumu.”
Orimba was among the longest-serving members of the county executive, having held several key portfolios since the Nyong’o administration took office in 2017. Over the years he oversaw departments including Water and Environment, Infrastructure and later Public Service and County Administration, where he played a critical role in strengthening institutional structures within the devolved government.
Colleagues remembered him as a disciplined public servant who preferred results over publicity, often working behind the scenes to improve service delivery and strengthen administrative coordination across the county government.
Speaking during the requiem mass, Nyong’o said Orimba’s measured counsel and steady leadership would be deeply missed within the county’s leadership circles.
“In the presence of his family, colleagues and friends, we honour a life defined by patience, service and dignity,” the governor said. “His calm counsel will be dearly missed.”
The emotional service at St. Stephen’s ACK Church Milimani was marked by prayers, tributes and reflections on Orimba’s years of service to the lakeside county.
As mourners filed past to offer condolences to the family, Nyong’o concluded his tribute with a final farewell to his colleague and friend.
“It is well. Until we meet again, my friend. Rest well, Salmon.”
