This archive report was first published on 31 July 2019.
The late Kibra MP Ken Okoth will be remembered as a dedicated servant of the people who brought hope to his constituents and Starehe Boys Centre. He died on Friday from colorectal cancer.
Former students of the school, known as the Old Staherian Society, gathered at the school on Wednesday to reminisce about their time with Okoth and pay tribute to his legacy.
Okoth was credited with revitalising the Old Staherian Society, which has collected Sh300 million in recent years. The group, which comprises former students, was brought together by Okoth's efforts.
"It is him who made me sign up for the society and that is how I can stand here as the secretary of the society," said Muratha Kinuthia, a Starehe alumnus.
Kinuthia recalled how Okoth called the old boys to a mbuzi feast five years ago and challenged them to join the society. Back then, they were only 100 members.
Canute Waswa, an old friend, remembered Okoth as an astute debater who would save them when in trouble. He also revealed how Okoth decided to run for a parliamentary seat, and how the Old Staherian Society came through for them as his campaign manager.
"When you are campaign manager for a broke man, 90 per cent of the time you look for money," Waswa joked.
The memorial service ceremony was attended by the former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth, as well as friends and family of Okoth, including his wife Monica and mother Angelina.
