The demise of Bomet Governor Joyce Laboso should serve as a wake-up call for Kenyans, Chama Cha Mashinani (CCM) party leader Isaac Ruto has said.
Laboso succumbed to cancer on Monday while undergoing treatment at the Nairobi Hospital.
Her death came barely a week after the passing on of Kibra Member of Parliament Ken Okoth who was also succumbed to cancer.
Early this month, the cruel hand of cancer also took former Safaricom Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bob Collymore.
Following the three high profile deaths in less than a month, Ruto called for an urgent need to declare an all out war on the deadly disease which is killing about 33,000 Kenyans every year.
"We must set up a well funded and equipped cancer center in Kenya, it is time. We are losing many lives to cancer. Millions may be silent victims and cannot get treatment. As a country, we can make a concerted effort towards fighting cancer, yes we can," he tweeted on Monday.
Ruto was Bomet's first governor but lost to Laboso in the 2017 general election after he decamped from Jubilee party and formed his CCM party which he used in his reelection bid.
In his message of condolence, Ruto described his successor as a dedicated person who will always be remembered by residents of her home county.
"Our prayers and heartfelt condolences to the family of Hon. Joyce Laboso in this time of loss and grief. The Governor will be remembered for her dedication to improving the lives of the residents of Bomet," the CCM boss said.