Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga is among leaders who are mourning the demise of Migori Senator Ben Okello who succumbed to throat cancer shortly after midnight on Tuesday.
Raila noted that ODM, on whose ticket Okello won the Migori Senatorial seat by a landslide, had lost a key member.
Speaking on Ramogi FM where Okello worked as a journalist before venturing into politics, Raila hailed Okello as a strong leader who faced his battle with cancer gracefully.
He expressed dissapointment that Okello, who worked at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) before joining Ramogi, had left before reaching his full potential.
“Ben was a strong man who battled cancer with bravery. He remained cool despite the throat cancer pain.
[caption caption="Ben Okello"]
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“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,” he stated.
National Super Alliance (NASA) CEO Norman Magaya also sent a message of condolence after learning of the Senator's death.
"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," he wrote.
ODM also promised to give further updates as they joined Okello's family in mourning.
"Migori Senator Hon. Ben Oluoch Okello passes on after a long illness bravely borne. The ODM Party will miss his dedication to the party & commitment to serve the people of the great County of Migori. We condole with the family and the people of Migori. We shall give more updates," they announced.
[caption caption="Ben Okello in studio"]
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