This archive report was first published on 2 August 2019.
On August 2, 2019, hundreds of mourners gathered at Moi Girls School in Nairobi for a memorial service in honor of Ken Okoth, the late Kibera MP. Okoth, who passed away on Friday due to colorectal cancer, was remembered for his exemplary record in Kibra Constituency, which he had represented since 2013.
Speakers at the requiem mass paid glowing tribute to Okoth, citing his commitment to democracy and education. French Ambassador Aline Kuster-Menager praised Okoth as a symbol of democracy, saying he was active in bipartisan initiatives during polarized situations.
However, controversy surrounding Okoth's personal life, including claims of a child with a nominated ward representative, marred the ceremony. Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko stirred the service by claiming that Okoth had a child with another woman, Anne Thumbi, and requested him to nominate her to the Nairobi County Assembly.
"Governor you are my friend, nominate Anne Thumbi to the County Assembly," Sonko quoted Okoth as saying in 2017. Sonko pleaded with Okoth's family to recognize the woman and the child.
However, ODM Party Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna sought to downplay Sonko's statements, saying the family was aware of the issue. "Raila Odinga and Mama Ida (Raila's wife) can bear me witness that everything, including some of the things that have been mentioned here by Governor Sonko, have been discussed openly by this family," said Mr Sifuna.
Nairobi Senator Johnston Sakaja described Okoth as a man of dignity, and sought an end to further public discussion of the departed MP's private life.
