When the late Kibra Member of Parliament Ken Okoth discovered that he had stage four cancer, he revealed that things were not looking good, but he gave a strong assurance that he was determined to fight it – with every breath inside him.
Okoth did exactly that and he fought fearlessly to the level of mocking the disease. He even attended the Kibra festival after landing from France two weeks ago and gave a moving speech. He met various leaders who visited him in France as well and took photos, sharing them on social media.
“I had promised bursaries and I ensured they were awarded even in my absence. Did you get them?” he posed during the Kibra festival. “The fear of the unknown that accompanies a cancer diagnosis is immense. Cancer changes your life completely,” he admitted though.
When his passing on was announced on Friday afternoon, Kenyans have continually showered him with praises.Through the hashtag #RIPHonKenOkoth, Kenyans from all strata of the society celebrated him as a great example of the courage everyone should have.
We have not only lost a great leader but also a good man. Hon @OkothKenneth had nothing but love for everyone he encountered. He effortlessly etched a beautiful mark in my soul. Rest my brother. Rest. You were loved beyond measure because you loved beyond measure. #RIPHonKenOkoth pic.twitter.com/UEZNulEU4M
— Hon. Esther M Passaris (@EstherPassaris) July 26, 2019
While Eulogizing his MP, Silvia Donde wrote, “He was one of us. He knew what it was to sleep hungry and to dream of a better life where you did not have to pee on yourself because going out at night to look for a toilet could get you killed.
Am saddened by the passing on of @okothkenneth MP kibra an exemplary leader who stood out for his commitment to duty even when ailing. My condolences to his family, his constituents. Kenya has lost one of its finest sons. #RIPHonKenOkoth
— Martha Karua (@MarthaKarua) July 26, 2019
Born and raised in Kibra’s Kisumu Dogo area, Okoth did not fear to talk about his difficult childhood since his days at the famous Olympics Primary School when his mother struggled to raise his fee.
He was however determined to change through hard work and he got admission into Starehe Boys Center and later proceeded to St Lawrence University, USA where he studied German and European Studies. He got his masters in International Relations at Georgetown University.
Rest In Power My brother😢😢😢 your legacy will always dwell in our hearts #RIPHonKenOkoth pic.twitter.com/Q2sIf1s6qU
— Daddy Owen (@daddyowenmusic) July 26, 2019
Through his “Elimu Kwanza” initiative, the second term MP had schools built and campaigned for people and NGOs to fill libraries with books, so that needy children do not have to beg for education.
“We have built the hardware, we need the software, we need your support to mentor these girls, we need desks, computers and lab equipment,” he said during the launch of the ultra-modern Mbagathi Girls School in Kibra.
Ken Okoth was a wise worrior, He had account of His days and he created a worth while legacy. Last Sat, as we mentored #Mbagathihighsch l could hear the echo of his diligence administration speaking. He is not dead, he is resting. #RIPHonKenOkoth pic.twitter.com/sb9uvoV8UT
— Evelyn Magaju (@_elife1) July 26, 2019
Your spirit will for sure live on! Shine on Ken Okoth….
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