The memorial service for the late Ken Okoth, the former Kibra MP was held at Moi Girls High School Nairobi, with family, leaders and friends turning up to remember the leader who succumbed to colon cancer last week. However, the late MP’s interment, which was reportedly supposed to be a cremation, has been halted following a court order. This comes after Anne Thumbi filed a case demanding for her and their child’s recognition from the family. Thumbi said she sired a child with the late Okoth. The case was filed against Ken Okoth’s mother, his wife Monica Okoth and Lee Funeral Home.
During the service, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga said he was Ken’s mentor, and that the MP was a sharp lad, “He had a project of bringing computers to schools here and we fixed them.” He said the MP had already started complaining of feeling painful discomfort some time ago but he didn’t know it was cancer, “He was being treated for a different disease. If a diagnosis would’ve been done earlier, the cancer would’ve been treated.”
Bungoma Senator and Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetangula said Ken was a distinguished legislator and a respectful person, “I have never seen Ken exchanging bitter words with anyone. He had massive respect.” He said he visited the late MP in France when he was receiving treatment and it could be seen that he had a great will, “He knew he had a disease which was hard to treat, he understood it but his heart was set on serving Kibera residents.” His sentiments were echoed by several leaders and family members who addressed those who were present.
However, the service took a different twist when Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko said that Ken Okoth had a sired a baby with another lady, Anne Thumbi, who had filed a case to stop the interment. Sonko said in 2013, he had brought the two together and in 2017, he nominated her to the County Assembly at the request of Ken Okoth. “Ken has left a child also called Okoth,” he said, leading to cheers from those present….Ken has no peace where he is resting, his kid is suffering…I’m calling for recognition for Ken’s son,” said Governor Sonko. Afterwards, Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja faulted the move, saying Okoth’s private matters should be kept private.