Ken Okoth has been battling colorectal cancer for several months.
The 41-year-old legislator becomes the 4th MP in current Parliament to die of cancer. Ken Oluoch, Grace Kipchoim and Francis Nyenze succumbed to cancer in the last two years.
The MP returned from France where he had been receiving treatment 10 days ago and statehouse lauded his bravery in his fight against cancer and urged Kenyans to emulate him.
“Allow me to mention a great son of Kenya, the Member of Parliament for Kibra Constituency Mheshimiwa Ken Okoth who has recently returned to the country after months of treatment in France,” read a statement issued by Spokesperson Kanze Dena.
Okoth revealed his Cancer diagnosis in February indicating that the condition was discovered at a very advanced stage it cannot be cured, just managed.
I’m deeply saddened by the passing of our MP Hon. @okothkenneth. Ken battled Cancer with unique bravery while serving his voters to the last minutes of his life. May God grant peace and strength to his family and may he Rest In Peace.
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) July 26, 2019
Go well my brother Hon. Ken Okoth. You exemplified greatness. You radiated love. You were brilliant. You served your people well. You bore the burden of that monster with grace and strength. You will forever remain an inspiration to many. Fare thee well Mhesh! pic.twitter.com/YHpvAmpD1x
— KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H (@kipmurkomen) July 26, 2019
We have lost our brother, friend and Kibra MP Ken Okoth. A fine gentleman and legislator, Okoth was an exemplary human being and we will forever be grateful for the time we had with him. To his family, friends and Constituents poleni sana from all of us @TheODMparty pic.twitter.com/qbAvaTA0O4
— Edwin Sifuna (@edwinsifuna) July 26, 2019
My condolences to the family of Ken Okoth and the people of Kenya and more so to Kibera constituency at this sad time. Ken Okoth was a wonderful man. He always had a calming effect on everyone around him. Please know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of Kenyans.” pic.twitter.com/m37fn8Yved
— ⚓ZAZA🌊 (@Sw0rdshoe) July 26, 2019
It is with deep sadness that I have learnt of the passing of Kibra M.P Hon Ken Okoth.He was a visionary leader and contributed so much to the people of Kibra and the country at large. My prayers to his family, friends, constituents and to the entire country. pic.twitter.com/RP9mXMXBB5
— Kalonzo Musyoka (@skmusyoka) July 26, 2019
Yaaaaaaniiii I am broken…… 😥….. Spoke on his health, kept telling him to fight #RIP my friend Ken Okoth.
— Lindah Oguttu (@lindahoguttu) July 26, 2019
Colorectal cancer develops from both the colon and rectum regarded as the second and third leading cause of cancer deaths in women and men.
Before the diagnosis, Okoth told a local daily how he was on treatment for ulcers and bacterial infections for about a year not knowing he had cancer. He had also been put on pills to manage stress and anxiety.
Soooooo sad and heart wrenching to receive the news of the passing on of my colleague and wonderful friend Hon Ken Okoth, a man with whom we shared many things but foremost our passion for supporting education. Ken was an exceptional human being. RIP my brother
— Moses Kuria (@HonMoses_Kuria) July 26, 2019
“Ken was brought to Nairobi Hospital yesterday morning, his health deteriorated at around 8:00pm, then he was put on life support.”
Family presser on the death of late Kibra MP Ken Okoth.#RIPKenOkoth pic.twitter.com/VRcGzziwPo
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) July 26, 2019
In Honor of Hon. Ken Okoth, I believe the Members of Parliament should Honor him by passing his Legalize It Bill and Legalize medical Marijuana. He is the Best MP that we have ever had in Kenya. His fought a good fight and had a great vision. I am a sad Kenyan. #RIPKenOkoth
— BRAVIN™ (@ItsBravin) July 26, 2019
Let us keep the family of Mheshimiwa Ken Okoth and the good people of Kibra Constituency in our prayers. His legacy will live on. Rest In Peace Ken. pic.twitter.com/dtTIvXAqiA
— Hon. William Chepkut (@Chepkut_William) July 26, 2019
You fought till the end Ken. We have lost a man of the people, ambitious icon and a great leader. His vision was to transform Kibra into a development hub. Rest in Peace Kibra MP Ken Okoth. #RIPKenOkoth. pic.twitter.com/OkdXrAC6Xu
— Kigen Kibet Msc (@KibetKigen_) July 26, 2019
Hon. Ken Okoth battle with cancer has been a real encouragement to people living with cancer. Comrade Ken will be greatly missed by his Kibra Constituents, the @TheODMparty family and the country at large.
My condolences !— Gov. Anyang’ Nyong’o (@AnyangNyongo) July 26, 2019