NAIROBI, Kenya – Peter Castro Oloo Aringo, a prominent figure in Kenya’s political landscape and former Alego Usonga Member of Parliament, has passed away at the age of 79.
The news of his death was confirmed on Friday by the current Alego Usonga MP, Sam Atandi, who shared a message on X (formerly Twitter), stating that Aringo died at Nairobi’s Aga Khan Hospital.
“It is with great sadness that I announce the sudden passing of Hon. Oloo Aringo, former Cabinet Minister and MP for Alego Usonga. Hon. Aringo passed on this evening at Aga Khan Hospital,” Atandi’s statement read.
Aringo, a graduate of the University of Nairobi and Toronto University, first entered the political arena in 1974, securing his seat in Parliament with backing from influential leaders, including the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
His early years in office were marked by his determination to introduce key legislative reforms.
Notably, he spearheaded efforts to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission and a Parliamentary Service Commission, both of which, though initially rejected, would see their eventual realization in 2002.
Throughout his 15-year tenure, Aringo served in various ministerial roles, spanning Information and Broadcasting, Environment, Labour, Education, and Employment.
As Education Minister, he was instrumental in introducing the 8-4-4 education system, a major overhaul aimed at bolstering technical education in Kenya.
He expanded the Kenya Science Teachers’ College and launched the Kenya Technical Trainers’ College (KTTC), pivotal institutions supporting Kenya’s growing technical education sector.
Aringo’s legislative contributions also extended to Kenya’s higher education landscape, as he successfully pushed for Moi, Maseno, and Egerton universities to gain status as public institutions.
His advocacy for educational reform helped to set the foundation for an expansive public university system in Kenya.
During his third term as Alego Usonga MP, former President Daniel arap Moi appointed Aringo Assistant Minister for Education before later elevating him to a full ministerial role.
Peter Oloo Aringo leaves behind a legacy as a trailblazer in Kenyan politics, remembered for his commitment to education and governance reforms.
His death marks the end of an era for Alego Usonga and the broader Kenyan political sphere.
The news of his death was confirmed on Friday by the current Alego Usonga MP, Sam Atandi, who shared a message on X (formerly Twitter), stating that Aringo died at Nairobi’s Aga Khan Hospital.
“It is with great sadness that I announce the sudden passing of Hon. Oloo Aringo, former Cabinet Minister and MP for Alego Usonga. Hon. Aringo passed on this evening at Aga Khan Hospital,” Atandi’s statement read.
Aringo, a graduate of the University of Nairobi and Toronto University, first entered the political arena in 1974, securing his seat in Parliament with backing from influential leaders, including the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
His early years in office were marked by his determination to introduce key legislative reforms.
Notably, he spearheaded efforts to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission and a Parliamentary Service Commission, both of which, though initially rejected, would see their eventual realization in 2002.
Throughout his 15-year tenure, Aringo served in various ministerial roles, spanning Information and Broadcasting, Environment, Labour, Education, and Employment.
As Education Minister, he was instrumental in introducing the 8-4-4 education system, a major overhaul aimed at bolstering technical education in Kenya.
He expanded the Kenya Science Teachers’ College and launched the Kenya Technical Trainers’ College (KTTC), pivotal institutions supporting Kenya’s growing technical education sector.
Aringo’s legislative contributions also extended to Kenya’s higher education landscape, as he successfully pushed for Moi, Maseno, and Egerton universities to gain status as public institutions.
His advocacy for educational reform helped to set the foundation for an expansive public university system in Kenya.
During his third term as Alego Usonga MP, former President Daniel arap Moi appointed Aringo Assistant Minister for Education before later elevating him to a full ministerial role.
Peter Oloo Aringo leaves behind a legacy as a trailblazer in Kenyan politics, remembered for his commitment to education and governance reforms.
His death marks the end of an era for Alego Usonga and the broader Kenyan political sphere.
