Standard journalist loses parents in crash

What was meant to be a crowning moment in the life of Standard Group journalist Edwin Nyarangi has turned into a devastating double tragedy after his parents died in a road accident while travelling to Nairobi for his graduation ceremony.

Nyarangi’s father, Josiah Biyongo, and mother, Hellen Biyongo, perished on Wednesday at around 2pm when the car they were travelling in was involved in a fatal head-on collision with a truck at Osentu area along the Nakuru – Bomet highway.

“I have lost my dad and mum in a grisly road accident. They were driving to Nairobi to attend my Master’s graduation, scheduled to take place at Mount Kenya University on Friday (today),” a grief-stricken Nyarangi told his colleagues.

According to a police report, the couple’s car was attempting to overtake a convoy of vehicles when it collided head-on with an oncoming truck near Narok town.

Biyongo, 65, died on the spot, while Hellen was rushed to Narok County Referral Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. Their bodies are currently being preserved at the facility’s mortuary awaiting a post-mortem.

The couple are survived by four sons, two of whom—Edwin Nyarangi and Darius Ondieki, popularly known as DJ Darius—are employees of the Standard Group. DJ Darius works with Radio Maisha.

“My heart is heavy beyond words, but I deeply appreciate all your prayers and support. Please keep us in your thoughts during this unbearable time,” DJ Darius posted on Facebook.

The late Biyongo was a widely respected figure in his community—a retired teacher, an ordained bishop, and a former gubernatorial aspirant in Kisii County. Driven by a lifelong passion to uplift others, he vied for the Kisii governor seat in the 2022 General Election as an independent candidate, despite the challenges of going it alone.

“He was firm in what he believed, even if he was the last man standing,” said Nyarangi, recalling his father’s determination to run for office independently, motivated by a desire to transform his community.

A life of service and conviction

Born in Kisii, Biyongo began his education at Magena Nursery and Primary School from 1966 to 1975. He then attended Magena High School for his secondary education between 1976 and 1979. Later in 1980, he began teaching under the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) before enrolling at Mosoriot Teachers Training College for professional training.

He was not only passionate about education but also committed to spiritual growth, earning a diploma in Theological Education by Extension (TEE) from the Kapsabet School of Divinity in Nandi County.

Upon completing his theological studies, he served as an Honorary Evangelist in the Moiben-Ziwa Parish under the Eldoret Anglican Diocese, later continuing his ministry at St. Philips Parish in Kisii under the Southern Nyanza Anglican Diocese. He held numerous leadership roles, including as a Parish Church Council (PCC) member.

Biyongo was also a trained psychotherapist and a registered member of the Kenya Counselling and Psychological Association (KCPA). He was also a part time lecturer both locally and internationally.

On the other hand, Hellen, a long-serving agricultural extension officer, dedicated over 40 years to improving farming practices across Kenya.

She began her career in Elgeyo Marakwet County, later moving to Uasin Gishu and eventually being posted to Kisii County, where she served until her retirement.

Nyarangi said his parents valued education, shaping the lives of their children with lessons on humility.

Kisii Governor Simba Arati mourned their passing, eulogising Biyongo as “a courageous, respected, and distinguished leader.”