The late Otieno Kajwang

Kenyans have woken up to the sad news of the sudden death of Homa Bay Senator, Otieno Kajwang (55), who died at the Mater Hospital in Nairobi where he had been rushed for emergency treatment after suffering a cardiac arrest last night.

According to his brother, Tom Kajwang’, (MP Ruaraka) Kajwang was taken to the hospital at about 9pm after complaining of chest pains while at his home in Runda, and was declared dead two hours later.

Kajwang,’ popularly known for his famous ‘mapambano’ slogan is one of ODM’s most vocal leaders and was a close confidant of the Opposition chief Raila Odinga.

He had served as Immigration Minister in former President Mwai Kibaki’s coalition government.

CONDOLENCE MESSAGES

CORD leader Raila Odinga was among the first leaders to announce Kajwang’s demise and pass his condolences to the family;

“It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the death of Ndugu Otieno Kajwang (Nyakwarnyakwamba).” Raila tweeted.

Senate Majority Leader, Kithure Kindiki, said that he was “shocked to learn that Kajwang’ is dead” having spoken to him at 4pm on the day he died.

“We have lost a good debater, great Senator and lawyer,” he said of Kajwang’ whom he described as a “friend to both sides of government and the Opposition.”

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator, Kipchumba Murkomen, said he will remember the deceased as a “passionate and eloquent debater who was full of life and humour.”

“Rest in peace my brother, learned friend and senator, Otieno Kajwang. Mapambano mbinguni.” Makueni’s Mutula Kilonzo Jr

The deceased body has been moved to the Lee Funeral Home, where dozens of people are gathered, including the country’s leading media houses, who have set base around the Nairobi hospital, in order to steam the activities live.