This archive report was first published on 27 July 2019.
Ken Okoth, the Member of Parliament for Kibra, passed away on Friday, July 26, 2019, at 4 pm, after a long battle with cancer. He was 41 years old.
Okoth's death was announced at Nairobi Hospital, where he had been rushed the previous day. His body was taken to Lee Funeral Home, prompting a police deployment to maintain order as rowdy youths threatened to break the gate and view their MP's body.
Residents of Kibra were left in shock and mourning, with many expressing their grief and sadness on social media. One resident wailed, 'Jowi Jowi. Why have you gone now. Why God Why him. Where will we get Ken.'
Another resident, Abdulrahim Juma, remembered Okoth as a unifying figure who ensured all poor children in the constituency received bursaries for their education. 'Ken united all communities living in Kibra. He was not tribal and ensured all poor children in the constituency got bursaries for their education.'
Okoth's brother, Imran, revealed that the legislator was rushed to Nairobi hospital at 5 pm on Thursday and was taken to the ICU at 8 am on Friday after multiple organ failure. He passed on at 4 pm, surrounded by his family, including his wife Monica Ambrossinni.
Okoth's vision for Kibra was for all to get an education, and he often quoted Victor Hugo's phrase, 'Build a school, close a jail.'
Many have given him a glowing tribute, calling him a 'servant leader' and a man like no other. His death leaves a big hole in his constituents' hearts, and he will be remembered for his dedication and service to the people of Kibra.
