For the better part of Wednesday, politicians from Gusii region were declined access to Nairobi Hospital VIP wing where ex-Finance minister Simon Nyachae was admitted.
Among those barred from paying his a courtesy visit is Roads Chief Administrative Secretary Chris Obure, Nyaribari Chache MP Richard Tong'i and Borabu MP Ben Momanyi.
Since then, a source has revealed, Nyachae was flown out of the country for specialised treatment in a Johannesburg hospital even though the family has remained tight lipped on the matter.
A Nyamira MP, who declined to be named said: "It is true we were not allowed access I think because of his situation. But we are in touch with the family."
In various social media forums, residents of both Nyamira and Kisii Counties wished the octogenarian politician quick recovery when news about his illness broke.
"I wish him quick recovery. He is one of few politicians who single handedly put Gusii region on Kenyan political landscape," said Aruasa Menge in Nyamira Facbook Forum.
Before retiring in 2007, Nyachae had tried his luck in presidency in 2002 where he emerged third after Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta.