The death of legendary billionaire businessman Stephen Mogeni may have not come after all as a shock since he has been battling old age and other related diseases.
Credited for his entrepreneurial skills, Mr Mogeni took the final bow at a Kisumu hospital on Sunday morning, leaving behind a rich legacy on business field.
A relative, Emily Mogeni, confirmed the death, adding that he had been admitted in Kisumu after feeling unwell in recent weeks. She did not however, disclose the hospital.
"Sad day to our family. We have lost our uncle Steven Ongenyo Mogeni. The pioneer in our family. The proprietor of Mogeni Tea Factory.
"To my cousins and our family at large, take heart and may God's peace be upon us. It's a dark day in Bosamararo and Kerumbe. May uncle R.I.P," she said.
A section of leaders from Nyamira have continued to pay tributes to the man credited for starting the first privately owned tea factory across Gusii, Mogeni Tea Factory.
"RIP Mzee Stephen Ongenyo Mogeni. Nyamira and Kenya has lost a humble yet great business icon who founded Mogeni Tea Factory," nominated MCA George Mosiori wrote.
Senator Okong'o Mogeni, who is directly related to the deceased, lauded his rich entrepreneurial legacy, adding that he will be greatly missed.
"It's not only a big loss to our family but Kenya at large. Losing someone who understands wealth creation is a big blow to all of us. May he rest in peace."
Similar sentiments were echoed by Governor John Nyagarama, who like Mogeni, has interest in the tea sector. Nyagarama was a tea director before retiring.
"I have lost a brother and comrade. We shared a lot in farming and he went on to deliver the unthinkable. The tea factory has created so many jobs in Nyamira," he said.
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