ODM party leader Raila Odinga had expressed grief following the death of veteran politician William ole Ntimama.
“I have lost a friend that I deeply respected. Kenya has lost a leader. Rest in peace, Mzee Ntimama,” Raila twitted.
Raila went ahead to send his condolences and those of Ida, his wife, to the family of the deceased.
Ntimama who was known for his aggressiveness and fierce nature took his last breath at his local home in Narok.
He had gone to Narok in preparations for a women group's harambee due on Friday where his daughter was the guest of honour.
Kisumu Senator Prof Anyang Nyong'o also sent his condolences.
Nyong'o cited Ntimama as one politician who never failed to speak out his mind.
“Ntimama’s era has come to an end in Kenyan politics. In ODM, he was revered and never failed to speak his mind. He always hit the nail on the head with the comfort of his voluminous laughter,” said Nyong'o.
According to his daughter Lydia Masikonde, Ntimama though feared by many was a loving father who always had time for his family.
She went ahead to note that the late just rested and thus a post mortem may not be necessary.
Lydia linked the death of his father to the eclipse experienced on Thursday.
This is because the Maasai believe that an eclipse symbolizes the fall of a great person and that is exactly what happened.
The body of the late is at the Lee Funeral Home Nairobi as burial preparations continue.