This archive report was first published on 16 August 2019.
Former Kisumu District KANU party Organising Secretary Ken Opande's family is reeling in shock and grief after the party officials failed to get in touch with them days after his passing.
According to sources close to the family, not even Gideon Moi has called to personally convey his condolences, leaving the family feeling abandoned.
Ken Opande died at Danid Hospital after a long illness, as confirmed by his brother Fred Opande.
"He had been ill for so long, and it's always on and off to the hospital. God finally took his soul, and we appreciate the moments we shared with him on earth," Fred added.
Ken Opande was a key figure in Kisumu District KANU politics, teaming up with the late Osir Ogonda to challenge former Nyakach MP Ojwang' Kobundo for the Chairmanship of Kisumu District KANU office.
His rivalry with the late Kisumu Mayor Lawrence Akinyi Oile was so fierce that it led to a pitched political battle, with the two factions seeking the attention of President Daniel Arap Moi.
"The late Oile was being fronted by the likes of the late Minister Wilson Ndolo Ayah to fight the faction of Ogonda Osir, who were increasingly finding favor in the eyes of the President," said former KANU Official Odhiambo Okwatch.
Ken Opande's funeral will be held at their Thur Biye Home in Muhoroni Constituency within Kisumu County at a later date.
"We are appealing to all Ken Opande's friends to come and help us give him a send-off befitting him," Fred added.
