President Uhuru Kenyatta has joined other leaders in mourning the demise of Kibra MP Kenneth Okoth.
Uhuru in a tweet said that the death of the lawmaker is a big loss to the nation. The MP was taken to Nairobi Hospital on Thursday night after his health deteriorated at around 8:00 pm. He was put to a life support machine before he succumbed at the facility.
The President said that he learned about the death with deep shock and promised to stand with the family during this moment of trial.
"It is with a heavy heart that I have this afternoon received the sad news of the death of Kibra MP Hon. Ken Okoth. Death has robbed us of an astute legislator. May God comfort his family, friends & indeed all Kenyans during this difficult period of mourning," he said in a tweet.
The lawmaker, who died at the age of 41, battled with colorectal cancer for a long period. He had been away for a month in France where he sought treatment.
State House had recognized the lawmaker as a cancer warrior before he met his death.
“Allow me to mention a great son of Kenya, the Member of Parliament for Kibra Constituency Mheshimiwa Ken Okoth who has recently returned to the country after months of treatment in France,” read a statement issued by Spokesperson Kanze Dena, as quoted by Standard.
Ken Okoth spoke about his condition in public to inspire those affected with cancer.