Former Nairobi mayor Dick Wathika died on Saturday after what his family and friends said was a short illness.
Wathika died as he was being rushed to Karen hospital in Nairobi where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
The cause of his death is yet to be made public.
His former colleague and friend Simon Mbugua said Wathika had been hosting some of his Athi Water Service Board members for a party at his Windsor home when he developed complications.
Wathika was in October appointed to the water board.
“He had been in good spirits and was hosting his colleagues at his home when he fell unwell before he was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival,” said Mbugua.
Mbugua who was among those who arrived at the hospital said the body was moved to the Lee Funeral Home.
He led other leaders in mourning the former Makadara MP describing him as a loving and dedicated politician.
Wathika had unsuccessfully run for the Mukurweini parliamentary seat in the 2013 general elections.
Other leaders who mourned the death included Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero, Kiambu’s William Kabogo and Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko, Nairobi politician Kevin Malinga and Mukurweini MP Kabando wa Kabando.
Kabando led in mourning saying; “Rest in Peace my friend-relative-competitor-colleague Hon Dickson Wathika, former City Mayor and Assistant Minister Public Works. Indeed Death is very cruel. We're now taking body to Lee Funeral. Let's pray for family. Peace.”
Sonko said Wathika had been the master of ceremony during the burial of his (Sonko’s) father.
“I have known Dick for years dating back to his tenure as Makadara MP. He was also the M.C during my late dad's funeral ceremony. My family takes this early opportunity to send our condolences. May the God give his family strength and courage during this difficult moment,” he said.
Mr Sonko defeated Mr Wathika during the Makadara’s by-election in 2010. The by-election was called after former MP Reuben Ndolo successfully petitioned for the cancellation of Mr Wathika’s election in court.
Before becoming an MP, he had been the city’s mayor. He had also been a councillor. In 2014, he spent almost a month in India for a medical treatment.
