Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Kipkelion East Branch Chairman William Koech on Tuesday died in a road accident in Kericho County.
Koech was a dedicated and loyal member of the party, earning him the nickname 'Bwana Chungwa' in Kericho.
In a statement, ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong'wen noted that even after many members of the party from the region ditched it ahead of the 2013 General Election, Koech remained a staunch supporter.
"Even after the exodus of majority of party members to other political parties, Mr. Koech remained steadfast and his belief in change and good governance was a motivation to many," Ong'wen wrote.
Ong'wen further hailed the deceased for selling the party's agenda in Kericho.
[caption caption="ODM's Orange House Headquarters"]
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"Mr. Koech was a dedicated member of the ODM party and worked tirelessly to strengthen, sell the policies and agenda of the party in Kipkelion East and extended the same to the larger Kericho County," the statement read in part.
Ong'wen further communicated the condolences of ODM leader Raila Odinga.
"On behalf of the party Leader the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, the National Executive Council, the National Secretariat and the entire ODM family, I wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and relatives of the late Koech and pray to God to give them strength during this trying moment," Ong'wen wrote.
Support for ODM in Kericho and the larger Rift Valley peaked during the 2007 General Elections, but started waning during the Grand Coalition Government era.
The region overwhelmingly supported President Uhuru Kenyatta and DP William Ruto in the 2013 and 2017 elections.
[caption caption="William Koech"]
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