This archive report was first published on 28 July 2019.
Leaders in Kibra, Nairobi, are urging residents to refrain from political campaigns during the mourning period for the late Ken Okoth, a former member of parliament.
Okoth passed away on July 26, 2019, while receiving treatment at a hospital in Nairobi.
According to Catherine Okoth, a member of the county assembly, residents of Kibra are still grieving the loss of their leader and do not want to be distracted by political campaigns.
"We know there are people who know we are still in mourning here in Kibra, but they want to come and start political campaigns. We don't want to hear about campaigns at this time," Catherine Okoth said in an interview with local media on July 27, 2019.
She added, "We are still in shock and grief over the loss of Ken Okoth, and we don't even know if we will go to the elections."
Okoth was praised for his efforts to improve education in his constituency, and his funeral is expected to attract several high-profile guests, including Raila Odinga, a former prime minister of Kenya.
Okoth's death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from Kenyans on social media, with many praising his dedication to public service.
