Deputy President William Ruto and Ford Kenya party leader Moses Wetangula have sent their messages of condolence to the family of Ikolomani Member of Parliament Benard Shinali after he lost his firstborn son.
35-year-old Chris Atema met his death in Arizona where he was serving in the United States Marine Corps after he allegedly drowned while attempting to save a girl.
In a tweet, Ruto termed the death as a big blow to the family of the lawmaker and promised to stand with the family during this difficult moment.
“Condolences to the family and friends of Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali following the passing on of his son, Chris Atema. The loss of Chris, at his prime, is painful. He was vibrant, cheerful and courageous. Our prayers are with the family at this difficult time. Rest In Peace,” he said in the tweet on Sunday.
In his message of condolence, Wetangula said that he received the death with shock. He said that his prayers are with the family following the death.
"Its with deep sorrow that I learned of the passing of Hon Shinali's son through what he(Shinali) described to me as a freak accident. As my brother travels to the US to bring back the remains he has my sympathy and solidarity in prayers," he tweeted.
The lawmaker has already left the country to the US to establish the cause of the death pending burial arrangements.