Former MP dies in Nairobi

Former Ugenya Member of Parliament Archbishop Stephen Ondiek has died.

Archbishop Ondiek is said to have complained Friday about his deteriorating ill health and fatigue before he was rushed to Nairobi Hospital.

According to the former minister's wife, Mrs Concilia Ondiek, the former legislator was admitted to the hospital before he passed on early Saturday while undergoing treatment. Doctors attributed his death to a heart attack.

His eldest daughter Milka Ondiek said the former MP had been rushed to the hospital last Monday.

“He was in good health all along but suddenly; he fell ill and was rushed to the hospital where he was admitted and was taken to the High Dependency Unit by Wednesday after his health condition did not improve,” said Ms Ondiek.

“His condition worsened further and he was quickly transferred to the Intensive Care Unit, where as fate would have it, he unfortunately passed on early Saturday,” she said as friends and relatives trooped to their home to condole them.

Fighting back tears, she described his father’s death as a huge blow not only to his family, his former constituents but also the country at large.

“The last time we spoke, he told us to always remain strong. He has left a huge void in our lives which will not be filled. We are only praying for God’s strength,” she said.

His sudden death threw family members, friends and relatives both in Nairobi and Ugenya into mourning.

Mr Steve Mwanga, one of the aspirants for the Ugenya seat during the last general elections eulogised the former MP as a development minded individual.

“It is during his term that many areas of the vast constituency were able to get electricity and several boreholes were sunk under the Kenya Finland Cooperation,” said Mr Mwanga.

‘He was an orator and entertained us so much during his time in politics. He was a good man. We shall for sure miss him,” said Mr Mwanga.

Following his death, a sombre mood engulfed Sifuyo village ,West Ugenya location in Ugenya constituency, after reports reached the locals.

Villagers trooped to his rural home immediately to condole with the bereaved family members.

Archbishop Ondiek served in Moi regime in different portfolios and remained an archrival of Ugenya MP James Orengo.

Mr Orengo defeated Archbishop Ondiek, who came a distant third in the last General Election.