Popular Kisumu-based HIV/AIDS activist Phenny Awiti is among hundreds of Kenyans who turned to social media on Friday to mourn fallen Kibra MP Ken Okoth.
Okoth died on Friday while receiving treatment at the Nairobi Hospital, after a long battle with cancer. Awiti who is HIV positive prayed that the legislature rest’s in eternal peace.
“In times like this, I compare HIV to cancer, because I have had both. Trust me, HIV is GOOD! We are still negotiating for 27 years. Rest in Eternal Peace Hon. Ken Okoth,” said Phenny Awiti.
The MP died less than a month after returning from France where he was hospitalized for several weeks.
Many know Awiti as a bold figure who has been advocating for an HIV/AIDS stigma-free society through her social media.
She discovered she was HIV positive in 2008. She was born with the virus.
Her social media pages are always dedicated to messages encouraging HIV positive members of the society, besides championing for a stigma-free society.
Awiti is the Brand Ambassador at Lake Basin Orthodontic Centre and a Weekly Columnist for Standard Group's -owned The Nairobian.
President Uhuru Kenyatta, Raila Odinga and Deputy President William Ruto have sent their condolences to Okoth's family.
Other leaders who have condoled with the family include Senate Majority leader Kipchumba Murkomen, Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, Baringo Senator Gideon Moi, Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, Leader of Majority in Parliament Aden Duale, Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria among others.