This archive report was first published on 29 July 2019.
On Saturday, residents of Kibra Constituency in Kenya were still reeling from the news of the death of their area MP, Ken Okoth, who succumbed to cancer on Friday.
Okoth, who had returned from France three weeks ago seeking treatment, had been a key figure in the development of Kibra, particularly in the education sector.
"Ken Okoth has really helped us in Kibra. We feel a great deal of sorrow for his death. We are really affected as parents because he has helped our children," said one resident.
Residents remembered Okoth for his initiatives, including building schools, buying buses, and prioritizing the education of the youth.
"Since he came into office, there has been a lot of development in Kibra especially in the education of the youth. That is what I am going to miss a lot," said James Okello, a resident.
Okoth's death has been met with condolences from top leaders, including President Uhuru Kenyatta, National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen.
President Kenyatta described Okoth as an "astute lawmaker who touched the lives of many Kenyans," while Muturi mourned him as a "great leader and a very progressive lawmaker who has left a transformational legacy in his almost 7-year tenure at the helm of constituency."
