As a politician, Kanindo was an accomplished orator,
mobiliser and strategizer. His participation in politics went
far beyond elections, and straddled the whole country.
A memorable event was his effort in 1978 to bridge the
strained relations between the Kenyatta government and
the Luo community by partnering with the leading political
and cultural personalities of both communities, including
his H.E. Jomo Kenyatta’s nephew Ngengi Muigai. That
attempt did not progress because the late President H.E.
Jomo Kenyatta died two weeks after the famous meeting.
He was a personal friend of H.E. Daniel Arap Moi and H.E.
Mwai Kibaki. His late father Andrea Anindo Nyakachunga
was a personal friend and confidante of the Late Jaramogi
Oginga Odinga. Kanindo benefitted from that friendship
through the scholarship that led to his going for further
studies in Czechoslovakia. He continued the legacy of the
friendship by his closeness to the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo
Odinga and Hon. Oburu Odinga, who was his schoolmate
in the earlier years at Pe-Hill Intermediate School.
orphans and widows, but it was a daunting task to educate
his thirty five children and his thirty nine grandchildren.
Kanindo was a religious person, conscious of the place
of God in all aspects of his life and that of his family. He
was constantly present at family devotions in the evening
where he encouraged his family to a spiritual life. He also
contributed immensely to the building of schools and
churches, where he volunteered as patron for many of
them. He facilitated the entry of many people into the
teaching profession and secured employment for many.
He constantly interacted with the leaders of his church,
the Seventh Day Adventist Church, at all levels.
THE CORPORATE WORLD
In the corporate world, Kanindo served with excellence
as the CEO of the EMI Group in Kenya in the seventies. He
achieved phenomenal growth of its labels, all the way into
Ivory Coast, Zambia, Malawi, Ghana, Nigeria, England and
the Americas. Kenyan music of all types was appreciated
in all these countries due to his marketing.
As an orator, Kanindo captivated audiences with his rich
knowledge of history and culture. He never used any notes
and had a great memory of events, people and facts. His
wit and common touch with crowds was unrivalled. His
pseudonym was Galamoro (meaning “multitudes” or
“crowd puller”). Being scheduled to speak in a forum after
him would turnout to be a misfortune to those coming
after him. He leaves a political legacy rivalled by few.
In a meeting with management of SONY Sugar
while serving as the Chairman.
As the chairman of the South Nyanza Sugar Company,
he oversaw its ambitious expansion and did his best to
endear the company to the local community. He led the
Board of Directors with energy, focus, and wit. Long after
he ceased to be the chairman and up to his death he was
considered as part of the Sony fraternity.
In the final analysis, it can be stated that Kanindo led a full
and enriching life, giving much to society and expecting
little in return. He related to people with humility, was
a careful listener both to the intelligent and the dull,
caring for widows and orphans, and empathising with the
bereaved in a peculiar way that only he could achieve. He
leaves a legacy of service to humanity, shunning excessive
accumulation of worldly treasures.
FAMILY
As a family man Kanindo was a polygamist. He was married
to nine wives, namely Mary Amolo, the late Ruth Asembo,
Margaret Aguko, the late Jane Adenyo, Peres Olale, Rose
Pondi, Loise Mwagi, Pamela Pambo and Molly Onyango.
Seven wives have survived him.
HIS ILLNESS AND EVENTUAL DEATH
Kanindo had been suffering from diabetes and a heart
ailment for several years. He fell sick in late April 2014
and was initially admitted for one week at the Nairobi
Hospital, subsequently being transferred to MP Shah
Hospital for an anticipated minor heart operation, which
was later considered unnecessary. He was discharged but
almost immediately admitted to the Aga Khan Hospital
in Kisumu where he died after three weeks, of a cardiac
arrest on 25th May 2014.
He cared for his wives equally, and referred fondly to
them as “the Kanindo Republic”. He appeared with them
in many public functions, and introduced each of them
in fine detail. He dressed them fashionably and looked
after them. It is speculated that he emulated his late
father. Kanindo loved and cared for his children, especially
regarding their education. He was not a wealthy person,
having given away most of his money to the support of
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