James Osogo, a former minister who served in Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel Moi Cabinets, passed away on Tuesday, August 15, at 3:30 pm.
His son, Omar Osogo, told the press that the former minister had been battling a prolonged illness prior to passing at a Kisumu hospital.
Over an extended period, the 90-year-old former Minister of Commerce and Industry frequently sought medical treatment at different hospitals.
His condition deteriorated on Saturday, August 12, when he was diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes. The doctors also noted that his organs began to fail, prompting them to admit him to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) until his demise.
On Tuesday, August 15, President William Ruto eulogised Osogo as a respected public servant and politician who served as one of Kenya’s pioneer ministers.
"He was visionary, uncompromising and an astute thinker whose service to the community was unmatched. We honour the great life that he led and the rich memories that he leaves with us," Ruto mourned.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi also eulogised the deceased as a father figure noting that Osogo's children were his schoolmates.
"In my political career, I have had the opportunity to consult with late Mzee Osogo both at his rural Busia and Nairobi homes. In 2020, the late Mzee Osogo gifted me with his autobiography, Honorary Deeds, that firmly describes whom he really was as a human being - a journeyman of admirable deeds. I have lost a real friend," he shared.
Career Recap
Osogo's political journey began in 1963 after he was elected as a member of the House of Representatives for Ruwambua, a constituency later renamed Budalangi.
Shortly after, he was appointed as an Assistant Minister for Agriculture before joining the Kenyatta Cabinet in 1966 as the first African Minister for Information and Broadcasting.
He then served in various capacities, including the Commerce and Industry, Agriculture, Local Government, Health and Foreign Affairs dockets.
After Mzee Jomo Kenyatta passed away in 1978, Osogo transitioned to Moi's government and was appointed the Minister for Agriculture.
