Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at Pipeline area in Nakuru are still in shock after their leader, Paul Thiong’o, passed away on Tuesday at his home.
Thiong’o allegedly succumbed to throat cancer which he has been ailing from for a long time.
The IDPS, led by their national leader Peter Kariuki, joined in mourning the hero whom they praised for championing for their rights.
“He was keen and brave and did not fear even addressing big wigs like Esther Murugi. He did not hide anything and was courageous enough to criticise the government when it went wrong,” said Tabitha Njeri.
Beatrice Nyokabi said that the death was a shock to many.
“We had visited him in hospital and he had already started recovering. In fact he had gone for his last chemotherapy and was now moving about very healthy. We still cannot understand how he ended up dying,” she added.
According to Nyokabi, Thiongo was always putting other people’s interest before his.
“He was not selfish and would always advocate for the fight for justice even in very simple matters. He never gave up on the fight to have everyone resettled,” she added.
National leader Kariuki said that he was among the first leaders to talk about the IDP issues.
“He was the one who approached many IDPS asking them to unite and buy land in bulk which saw them settled at Pipeline,” he added.