This archive report was first published on 23 December 2021.
Deputy President William Ruto's Chief of Staff Ken Osinde has been laid to rest in Nakuru after a short illness. Osinde, 59, died on December 10 at the Nairobi Hospital.
According to the eulogy, Osinde complained of stomach pains on December 7 and was rushed to the hospital where he was diagnosed with extensive internal bleeding due to a rupture of a vein.
Deputy President Ruto described the death of former Kenya's ambassador to Germany as a blow to his office and family, citing Osinde's dedication to serving Kenyans at the Office of Deputy President.
“He held the office as I traversed the country. I delegated a lot of duties to him and he never let me down. He performed to the best of his ability and always consulted where the need arose,” said Ruto.
On the need for universal health care, Ruto pointed out that most Kenyans were suffering and incurring heavy medical bills due to delayed treatment as they shun hospitals fearing the cost implication of health services.
“We shouldn't lose a person at their prime because they couldn't access health care due to financial challenges. We promised universal health and we remain committed to delivering that promise,” he said.
North Mugirango MP Joash Nyamoko described Osinde as a strategist and mobilizer, citing his role in campaigning for the Jubilee administration across Nyamira county in 2017.
“When we were looking for votes, we walked with Ken in Nyamira county and he was key in our success. The government has lost a great worker," said Nyamoko.
