Kibra MP praised as a unifying political figure and educationist

Wife to Orange party leader Raila Odinga, Ida Odinga, consoles the Late Kibera MP Ken Okoth's wife Monica Lavender Ambrossino Okoth, during his memorial service at Moi Girls in Kibera, Nairobi. [David Njaaga/Standard]

Hundreds of mourners converged at Moi Girls School Nairobi yesterday for a memorial service in honour of their MP.

The mourners waited patiently in the queue to view Ken Okoth's body in an emotional ceremony that went into the evening.

Speakers at the requiem mass paid glowing tribute to Okoth, citing his exemplary record in Kibra Constituency, which he had represented since 2013.

Sponsoring five

Ronny Osumba, representing the alumni of Starehe Boys Centre, where Okoth schooled, said the late MP was sponsoring five students at the school.

French Ambassador Aline Kuster-Menager praised Okoth as a symbol of democracy, saying he was active in bi-partisan initiatives during polarised situations. The envoy described him as a citizen of the world.

"Your MP touched so many lives and his legacy lives on," she said.

But controversy on whether Okoth would be cremated or buried, as well as claims of a child he got with a nominated ward representative found their way into the ceremony.

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko stirred the service by sensationally claiming that Okoth had a child with another woman.

Sonko said Okoth, who succumbed to colorectal cancer on Friday, requested him to nominate the woman to Nairobi County Assembly.

“I remember in 2017 he told me: "Governor you are my friend, nominate Anne Thumbi to the County Assembly."...and because I respected our friendship, I nominated her,” said Sonko.

He pleaded with Okoth's family to recognise the woman and the child.

The High Court yesterday blocked Okoth's interment or cremation after Ms Thumbi went to court.

According to Sonko, who eulogised Okoth as a friend and exemplary leader, the MP met Anne during a medical training camp in Kibra, organised by Sonko Rescue Team.

ODM Party Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna sought to downplay Sonko's statements, saying the family was aware of the issue.

“Raila Odinga and Mama Ida (Raila's wife) can bear me witness that everything, including some of the things that have been mentioned here by Governor Sonko, have been discussed openly by this family,” said Mr Sifuna.

Nairobi Senator Johnston Sakaja described Okoth as a man of dignity, and sought an end to further public discussion of the departed MP's private life.

“Ken is a man of dignity and his matters were respectfully planned. Out of his respect, I request that these matters end there. We will give Ken the respect and honour he deserves,” he said.

Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka said there was “nothing extraordinary” in the Sonko revelations.

This came as more confusion emerged on whether Okoth should be buried or cremated. The last rites are expected to be performed on Saturday at Kabondo Kasipul, Homa Bay, where his mother hails from.

But while his widow Monica says the MP's last wish was to be cremated, Luo elders want him buried.

Last wishes

Speaking at the memorial service, Raila, who has been mediating on the matter, said his last wishes would be respected.

"We have sat down and everyone has made their case. We will get an understanding and I'm sure that we will be able to put Ken to rest the way he wanted," said Raila.

Kabondo Kasipul MP Eve Obara said plans for Okoth's last rites in Homa Bay were complete.

“I want to allay any possible fear that something might go wrong,” she said.

Also present at the memorial service were ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi, Ford-Kenya's Moses Wetang'ula and dozens of MPs and Senators.