This archive report was first published on 26 July 2019.
Ken Okoth, the Kibra MP, has died at the age of 41 after a long battle with colorectal cancer. He was rushed to Nairobi Hospital's ICU on Thursday night after multiple organ failure.
Okoth had been open about his cancer diagnosis, telling Kenyans in March that he was managing stage four colorectal cancer and was confident that he would survive.
Just two weeks ago, Okoth made his first official appearance to the public after being away in France for five months seeking treatment. He attended the Kibra Music Fest at Moi Girls School, Nairobi, where he thanked Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi for supporting his constituency.
Okoth's confidence in his ability to overcome the cancer was evident in a Twitter reply to Benjie Wambui, who had asked how he was doing. Okoth responded, 'Napambana na hali yangu (I'm managing my condition) and we shall overcome.'
However, despite his optimism, Okoth's health took a turn for the worse, and he passed away in the ICU. His death has been met with shock and sadness from his constituents and fellow politicians.
Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi paid tribute to Okoth, saying, 'Mheshimiwa Tim ameona Undugu ni kufaana. Na sitasimama maovu yakitawala.'
