Opiyo Mumma Lives On 10th Anniversary Memorial Celebrations in Ed II

Dramatists, thespians, scholars, family and friends converged at the University of Nairobi Saturday,
to commemorate 10 years since the demise of Dr John Opiyo Mumma. The Free Traveling Theatre presented a play The bride by John Ruganda. Wanja Mungai with her poem, Phenomenon Woman was enticing, truly. Storytellers Oluoch Madiang and Peter Onyancha excited the crowd with their pieces full of imagery. Murumba Wangamati read an original dedication poem, It's Hard to say Goodbye! SAM Ondieki he of Bakawola fame gave beautiful melodious rendition of Walimwengu. Jacob Oketch aka Obori Tambo with Memories reminded us of the beautiful times with Dr Mumma. Yobo Rutin performed a mime with Kimingichi Wabende with a hilarious impact. Susan Owiyo performed my mother. Dr Opiyo's father, Augustine Mumma payed a glowing tribute to his son whom he called, "visionary and a peoples person."
Babu Ayindo recalled how Dr Opiyo Mumma led him to safety after a debacle on the Bench of the 1998 Kenya National Schools and Colleges Drama Festivals fiasco in Mombasa. "Looking at the scores, it was clear Waa Secondary School won with their play, Taxi Bus, but someone doctored this" he claimed.
Prof Albert Mumma and her sister Dr Connie Martinon Mumma took the opportunty to recall how caring a brother Opiyo was. They appreciated the initiative of celebrationg Opiyo Mumma's life and times and welcome all to Sigoti, Kisumu  for the memorial next year.
The occasion was blessed with the presence of Opiyo's children Valarie, Mannan, Walter, Emma and a grandchild. Opiyo's 6 year old nephew named after him - John opiyo. In all this was a befitting tribute to a man who brought the whole drama and education fraternity to Kenya and spread the partcipatory drama methodologies here like fire in the Harmattan.
At the time of his death Opiyo was a Senior lecturer at the Universiity of Nairobi, Literature Department and a Phd alumni of Manchester University - UK. He held a Masters degree in Theatre Arts from University of Cardiff, Wales. before going to the UK for further studies Opiyo taught drama and literature at Maseno School where his last born son cabral is a student today . Tubo Tubo!

George Orido