Raila Odinga and other leaders mourn Ben Oluoch Okello

Senator Ben Oluoch Okello. He died of throat cancer on the morning of June 19 at MP Shah Hospital Nairobi and was buried at Kanyimach in Rongo, Migori on July 9. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • In Rongo, where the late senator hailed, a sombre mood was palpable.

  • Residents could be seen hurdled in small groups, silently talking about the demise of their leader.

  • Some cried openly.

Leaders and ordinary Kenyans are mourning the passing on of Migori Senator and former radio presenter Ben Oluoch Okello.

Mr Okello succumbed to throat cancer at MP Shah Hospital where he had been admitted in the capital Nairobi.

OBADO

Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga, who party sponsored Mr Okello to the Senate, said they had lost a “key member”.

“Ben was a strong man who battled cancer with bravery. He remained cool despite the throat cancer pain,” Mr Odinga told Ramogi FM, the station at which Mr Okello once worked after leaving Kenyan Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).

“He was focused and one who loved his community with a firm belief in the welfare of electorate. ODM has lost a key member who had yet to exploit his potential.”

On its part, ODM said it will miss the lawmaker's dedication to the party and commitment to serve the people of Migori.

“We condole with the family and the people of Migori. We shall give more updates,” the party said in a statement.

Migori Governor Okoth Obado said: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Migori Senator Ben Oluoch Okelo.

“His death has robbed Migori of a true son who cherished peace and championed for unity leadership.

“On behalf of my family and the people of Migori, I send sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Ben. May he rest in peace.”

MAGAYA

Mr Norman Magaya, the Nasa CEO said: “It is with profound sadness that I have learnt of the demise of Migori Sen Ben Oluoch Okello. On behalf of the entire Nasa fraternity, I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences to his family, the people of Migori County and the ODM party. May his soul rest in peace."

Uriri MP Mark Nyamita said Migori had lost a “brilliant leader who was dedicated to serving his people.”

“It is unfortunate that he has left us. We pray that his soul rests in peace."

MPs Peter Masara (Suna West) and Tom Odege (Nyatike) also condoled with the bereaved family.

"We have lost Ben at a time when the county residents were expecting him to recover and resume his duties in the Senate...it is very sad," said Mr Masara.

Residents of Migori received the news of Mr Okello’s passing with utter shock and disbelief.

Scores of residents who spoke to the Nation said they have lost a great leader.

RESIDENTS

"It is really sad that we have lost our beloved senator,” said Mr Mark Owino Onyango, a resident of Migori town.

“He was such a great leader and we had hopes in him to champion for our interests as people of Migori.”

Ms Mercy Wendo from Awendo said: "I can't even believe our senator is no more. We loved him as our senator and we always prayed for him when we heard he is sick.  May his soul rest in peace."

In Rongo, where the late senator hailed, a sombre mood was palpable.

Residents could be seen hurdled in small groups, silently talking about the demise of their leader.

Some cried openly.

"We have lost a great son and leader. We are lost for words," said Mr Zephaniah Awiti, an elder from Rongo.

Scores of other residents took to social media to ventilate their sadness.

"What a loss to the people of Migori. We will miss our dear senator. May his soul rest in peace," Mr Kennedy Makasembo, from Migori town, posted on Facebook.

Teso North MP Oku Kaunya said: “ Having known the late Senator Ben Okello Oluoch while he was at KBC, indeed the people of Migori county have lost a very dedicated leader”.

MENTEE

Homa Bay Woman Rep Gladys Wanga said the country had lost a “vibrant soul!”.

“Rest in Peace Sen Ben Oluoch Okello. May God comfort your family and friends.”

Nairobi Woman Rep Esther Passaris said was saddened by the legislator’s death.

“I pray the Almighty God comforts and gives strength to his family, the people of Migori County and Kenyans at large. May his soul rest in peace.”

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino said he received the news of Mr Okello’s death with shock.

“It is with so much shock and heaviness in my heart that I have learnt of the sudden demise of Sen Hon Ben Oluoch Okello. I wish to convey my sincere condolences to his family and the people of Migori.”

Mr Samuel Owida, Mr Okello's mentee and former colleague at Ramogi FM, said the lawmaker was “a likeable man”.

“A man of the people whose understanding of the community's strata was immense. He was charming, firm, brave and was ready to advise, mentor, teach as well as listen to anyone,” he said.

“Ben rode on the popularity of his air wave name to clinch the Migori seat. He had become a household name in Nyanza due to his radio career spanning for decades.”

Reports by Justus Ochieng, Elisha Otieno and Vivere Nandiemo.