Raila Odinga recounts Otieno Kajwang's last moments

Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang' at a past event. He died on November 18, 2014 at Mater Hospital in Nairobi. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Doctors examined him for high blood pressure and suspected cardiac arrest.
  • Mr Odinga said Kajwang' was involved in a minor accident last Friday and he advised him to go for a scan.

Cord leader Raila Odinga said Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang’ was at the Senate on Tuesday evening where he “contributed passionately on the police Bill”.

“He went home, where he complained of chest pains and was driven to Mater Hospital in the company of his wife. Upon arrival at the hospital, he in fact walked out of the car himself. Doctors examined him for high blood pressure and suspected cardiac arrest,” he said.

Mr Odinga said Mr Kajwang' was involved in a minor road accident last Friday and he advised him to go for a scan.

Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula recalled his last encounter with Mr Kajwang’.

He said the senator contributed passionately to the Police Reforms Bill.

“He walked to me and said, 'Boss, I have done my job for the day. Let's meet tomorrow.' Tomorrow did not come,” said Mr Wetang'ula.

Speaking at the hospital on Wednesday, Mr Odinga said the death of Mr Kajwang' was a terrible loss to ODM and Cord.

“Senator Kajwang’ was a very strong and dedicated member. In (the) Senate he was a great debater. He was an active member nationally and internationally. We join family in mourning this very painful loss of a colleague and patriot,” said the former prime minister.

The body of the late senator was taken to Lee Funeral Home for an autopsy.

Mr Odinga said a funeral committee would be set up and would be led by the Senate.

His last post on Twitter was on a story published by the Nation on corruption allegations levelled against Kenya poll commission officials by British prosecutors.

His last post read: “We said it then. Was covered in local dailies but emotions carried the day. Remember the phrase 'accept and move on' #Chickengate.”