This archive report was first published on 27 July 2019.
Ken Okoth, a 1995 alumnus of Starehe Boys Centre and School, has left a lasting legacy in the hearts of his former classmates and the school fraternity. The Kibra MP's passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from his former classmates.
Okoth's journey at Starehe Boys Centre began after scoring 617 marks out of 700 in the KCPE exams at Olympic Primary. It was during his time at the prestigious school that he experienced his first taste of sleeping on a bed, a far cry from the shared mats or mattresses he was accustomed to.
As he reflected on his time at Starehe in a past interview with the Daily Nation, Okoth shared his experiences of opting to stay in school over the holidays, choosing to study and work instead of returning home. He also spoke about the challenges he faced prior to secondary school, including going without a three-meal diet and often eating from trash bins.
Okoth's former classmates have taken to social media to pay their respects, sharing moving tributes to the late MP. Geoffrey Muchiri, a former senior and roommate of Okoth's, remembered him as a close friend who was struck down by cancer. Mohammed Wehliye, another former classmate, noted that the loss of Okoth was not only a personal tragedy but also a blow to the nation and the Starehe community.
As the news of Okoth's passing spreads, his former classmates and the Starehe Boys Centre fraternity are coming together to celebrate his life and legacy. Okoth's impact on the lives of those around him will not be forgotten, and his memory will continue to inspire future generations.
