Michuki died on Tuesday night at the age of 80/FILE
NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 22- Prime Minister Raila Odinga has joined Kenyans in sending condolences and paying tribute to the late John Muchuki who died Tuesday night at age 80.
In a statement, Odinga said that Kenya had lost a ‘hard working leader and citizen who was willing to give everything for the dignity of his country and its people.’
“I have received news of Michuki’s death with great sorrow and pain. I knew the late Cabinet Minister was struggling with health problems, but I always believed he would prevail. In fact, Hon Michuki’s strong personality and will left little doubt that he would survive,” said the statement from Odinga’s office.
The Environment Minister died shortly after 9pm on Tuesday night at the Aga Khan University Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit after a long illness.
The minister had gone for treatment to the United Kingdom after suffering a mild stroke according to close family sources, but was taken ill again two days ago after returning from Britain.
Odinga paid tribute to the late Minister’s brave attempt to bring order to the public transport sector and his hard fight to conserve the environment where he achieved impressive results.
The PM said that Michuki fought hard and bargained for Kenya at international forums where environmental matters were being discussed.
“While so much has been said about the late Minister’s brave attempt to sanitize our public transport sector, Michuki achieved equally impressive results as Minister for Environment; he fought hard to conserve our rivers, lakes and forests. The results are there for those willing to see.” Odinga said.
In a separate statement, Gichugu MP Martha Karua also described Michuki as a great leader who not only achieved what seemed impossible, but got others to partner with him in those achievements.
Karua said that Michuki will be remembered for getting Kenyans to be involved in ending disorder to public transport.
“One of my greatest memories of him is how he got Kenyans to get involved in bringing sanity back into our transportation industry,” Karua said.
Karua expressed hope that his life will continue to inspire Kenyans to partner in tackling issues that may seem impossible.
“My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones. Michuki, you have a left a gap that will be noticeable,” Karua said.
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