Former first Education Minister in the late Jomo Kenyatta’s government Joseph Otiende has died, aged 100, after a long illness at Avenue hospital in Kisumu. He died this morning after having been admitted in the facility for over a month.
His daughter in law Jane Chunguri said the former Minister died at 4.30 am. The pioneer educationist had been visited at the hospital by several leaders including Moses Wetangula, Musalia Mudavadi and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The deceased towards the end of last year broke his leg and was admitted at a local hospital but later discharged. Otiende had severally complained about neglect by the government after diligently offering his services to Kenyans.
Otiende who hails from Kegoye village in Vihiga Sub County was also awarded gold medal by the county government of Vihiga for his gallant service to Kenyans.
The area Governor Moses Akaranga noted that his devoted service to the country and his champion for education in the area to improve illiteracy should not be taken for granted.
The fallen hero went to Maseno School in 1926 where his father taught and served as cabinet Minister from 1963 to1969.
He was loved by area politicians for his political advice and represented the larger Vihiga constituency now Vihiga County as MP. Otiende quit active politics after being floored in 1969 as area MP.