Kenya envoy to Brazil collapses and dies

Kenya's envoy to Brazil, Mr Pius Namachanja, has collapsed and died.

Reports indicate that the ambassador collapsed at a function in Uberaba, Brazil, following a suspected heart attack and was later pronounced dead after being rushed to to a local hospital.

The envoy was part of a delegation comprising 26 diplomats who were visiting a farm in the Uberaba region to see the raring of Brazilian zebu cattle.

Brazil media reported that the Kenyan envoy fell ill during the tour and was rushed by ambulance to the Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro's hospital.

He was pronounced dead at 5.30pm Brazilian time.

A representative of the tour organisers, Mr Virmondes Rodrigues Junior expressed regret at the turn of events.

The spokesman at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nairobi, Prof Egara Kabaji said the Government will soon release details on when the envoy's remains will be flown to Kenya and subsequent funeral arrangements.