The MP who won hearts, his brave battle with cancer

Members of the public mourn the late MP Ken Okoth at Lee Funeral home in Nairobi, yesterday. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard]

When he made his first public appearance at the Kibra Arts Festival in Nairobi barely two weeks ago after returning from France where he was receiving treatment, Ken Okoth projected the image of a man whose spirit remained unbowed by the disease that had ravaged his body; leaving him frail but jolly. He told the gathering being in France for treatment made him homesick. 

“I had promised bursaries and I ensured they were awarded even in my absence. Did you get them?” he posed, attracting applause from his constituents who acknowledged receipt. Later on the side, he assured some of his constituents whowere worried about his frail body that it is nothing 'a bowl of fish soup' cannot bring back.