Former Cabinet minister and West Mugirango MP Henry Obwocha has died.
The current West Mugirango MP Vincent Kemosi said the former lawmaker, died after collapsing at his home in Nairobi on Friday night.
Obwocha had on Friday afternoon attended a relative’s funeral in Nyamira County and requested to be driven to Nairobi, saying he was unwell.
On arriving at his Nairobi home, his condition worsened according to an account from a close relative.
He was then rushed to Nairobi Hospital where he was pronounced dead at about 11pm.
Until his death, he was the chairman of the Privatisation Commission.
Obwocha served as West Mugirango MP between 1992-2007 and was the Planning and National Development minister in the Narc government.
The former legislator is said to be the founder of founder member of the KCA University and of the council that drafted Kenya’s Vision 2030.
Government officials have now come out to console the ex ministers family and friend led by President Kenyatta.
The President mourned his death, saying he was “distinguished public servant… whose service to the nation will be greatly missed.
“It is with deep sadness that I learn of the untimely death of Hon. Henry Obwocha this morning. The late was a distinguished long serving public servant, lawmaker and accountant whose service to the nation will be greatly missed,” said President Kenyatta in a tweet.
It is with deep sadness that I learn of the untimely death of Hon. Henry Obwocha this morning. The late was a distinguished long serving public servant, lawmaker and accountant whose service to the nation will be greatly missed.
— Uhuru Kenyatta (@UKenyatta) August 4, 2018
Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula also mourned the former MP, writing on twitter: “I have learnt of the passing on of Henry Obwocha with great shock. He distinguished himself as a Ford Kenya MP in the seventh Parliament. RIP.”
I have learnt of the passing on of Henry Obwocha with great shock. He distinguished himself as a great Ford Kenya mp in the 7th parl. RIP
— Sen.Moses Wetang’ula (@Wetangulam) August 4, 2018
I have learnt of the passing of Hon. Henry Obwocha. My very sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to his family, the people of Mugirango whom he served with dedication as MP and the Abagusii community in general.
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) August 4, 2018
Deeply saddened to learn of the sudden demise of Hon. Henry Obwocha which occurred last night. He exemplified servant leadership and selfless devotion to public service; most recently as Chairman of the Privatization Commission.
— CS Fred Matiangi (@FredMatiangi) August 4, 2018
We are shocked and deeply saddened at the passing of our Chairman Hon. Henry Obwocha. Hon. Obwocha was a great leader who excelled in every aspect of his life. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/JuS31WEWTT
— Privatization Commission (@PrivatizationKE) August 4, 2018
Rais @UKenyatta atoa risala za rambirambi kwa familia ya mheshimiwa Henry Obwocha. Alimtaja marehemu kama mtu aliyejitolea katika utendakazi wake kama mtumishi wa umma. Mungu awape faraja Jamii na marafiki. Ni Salama.
— Kanze Dena (@KanzeDena) August 4, 2018
Condolences to the family, friends and the people of West Mugirango in Nyamira County following the passing on of former minister Henry Obwocha. Mr Obwocha served the country with distinction, mettle and performed admirably in the Planning and National Development docket.
— William Samoei Ruto (@WilliamsRuto) August 4, 2018
Obwocha was a graduate of the University of Nairobi where he studied Commerce for his bachelor’s degree before proceeding to Oxford University for a masters in economics and management.
He was also a fellow of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya and a member of the Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya.
Obwocha was also a close confidant of former powerful Cabinet minister Simeon Nyachae.