Raila Odinga Mourns Migori Senator Ben Okello

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga on Wednesday morning spoke about his last encounter with the late Migori Senator Ben Okello who passed on Tuesday after a long battle with throat cancer. 

Speaking to the media at Lee Funeral Home, the Opposition leader exclaimed: "Ben came to see me some weeks ago and he was writhing in pain at that time before he went back to India for treatment.

"He fought his battle bravely and he died a brave warrior that we will all miss. We will all miss his services as a people," Mr Odinga added explaining how great a loss his death is to the country.

[caption caption="ODM leader Raila Odinga together with the late Senator Ben Oluoch Okello during his visit at Capitol Hill"][/caption]

Mr Odinga further affirmed that his party will ensure that the Senator is given a befitting burial divulging that a committee has already been formed to aid the families with the preparations.

"We have decided to give him a befitting funeral. A committee has already been set up to help the family in preparing for his burial," Raila stated. 

Raila praised Oluoch for advocating for good governance and addressing societal problems, politics, and sports during his time as a journalist.

Additionally, the former Prime Minister stated that the government ought to ensure better cancer treatment facilities are developed in the country as the disease has led to the loss of many lives including those of young people.

"It's unfortunate that he lost his life through this scourge. It has become the biggest killer in our country," he lamented.

Speaking in the company of other ODM leader, Raila called on the government to find ways to manage cancer in the country.

According to Kenya Cancer Statistics and National Strategies, cancer is the third highest cause of morbidity in Kenya (seven percent of deaths per year), after infectious and cardiovascular diseases.

It is estimated that 39,000 new cases of cancer are recorded each year in the country, with more than 27,000 deaths per year.

[caption caption="ODM leader Raila Odinga and his party members at Lee Funeral Home"][/caption]

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