OBITUARY: Amb. Christopher Onyanga Aparr I Knew

By Michael Wamai

It is very sad to learn about the passing of Amb. Christopher Onyanga Aparr. He was not only my Head of Mission in Geneva, but he was also my dear friend. He was a very kind and honest man. He allowed us to grow professionally. He was never over bearing. I was privileged to have worked very closely with him while covering the World Trade Organization. He was a wonderful Boss who knew how to build a team and he was down to earth. This endeared him to many of his colleagues the Ambassadors who fondly referred to him as Christopher. He had a big smile and a hearty laugh; and was a devout Catholic. He was however a ferocious warrior behind the microphone in the negotiating room. He was extremely intelligent with an ability to quickly see the bigger picture without being lost in small detail. As a result, his Colleagues requested him to coordinate and lead on a number of negotiating files on their behalf. He was a great team player, it is probably why he was never afraid to delegate. He never shied away from a fight if he believed he was doing the right thing. He ensured that if a position had been agreed, he would be consistent and see it through. He had such broad shoulders and was never afraid to take a bullet for his staff.  What gave me the most comfort in doing my job, was because I was confident, beyond any doubt, that even when I get into trouble, that he would cover my back. Indeed, he covered my back on a number of occasions because of the nature of the work we were doing on a daily basis. What more can I say about this Silent Giant? It is true that we ride on the shoulders of giants. He is one but yet He sleeps still. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, what can man do. I will miss him dearly. Sleep well my friend. Until we meet again. Au revior!

The author worked with the late Amb. Onyanga