KNUT Chairman Wilson Sossion indicated that the union will actively participate in the planning of Okuta’s burial expected at a later date.
He pointed out that Okuta died on Tuesday night at the Rongai Women’s Hospital where he had been rushed after experiencing breathing problems.
“Our brother was discharged yesterday where he took a rest at home. However in a round of medication at home as prescribed by the doctor, the family discovered that his condition had changed drastically,” he said.
“He was rushed to the nearby Rongai Women’s hospital where the doctors pronounced that he had succumbed,” he added.
Acting Secretary General Xavier Nyamu called on all KNUT branches countrywide to suspend all activities until his burial.
“All teachers wherever they are have lost their brother, we should pray for his soul and his family. We must remain united especially at this time of grief. We have suspended all the activities that we had planned for this weekend until he is laid to rest,” he stated.
Okuta’s eldest son Edwin said his late father had been suffering from hernia which is associated with abdominal complications.
“Actually he was discharged from the hospital yesterday. Upon reaching home, he was well settled but unfortunately after sometime he developed some breathing problems. We decided to rush him to the hospital but he was pronounced dead on arrival,” he explained.
“It is a great loss to the family and also the teaching fraternity because he gave good leadership to teachers in this country.”
Okuta was in and out of hospital for the better part of last year forcing him to be away from office for most of the time.
President-elect Uhuru Kenyatta is among leaders who have sent condolences to the family.
Through his Twitter handle, Kenyatta stated that Okuta will always be remembered as a remarkable man who understood and fearlessly stood for what rightfully belonged to teachers.
The president-elect said that Okuta’s zeal and passion in his work exemplified the spirit of a true trade unionist who went an extra mile to defend the rights of teachers
“You will be greatly missed my brother. May God rest your soul in eternal peace. My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of David Okuta. I pray that God grants you peace; My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of David Okuta. I pray that God grants you peace; comfort during this time of grief,” he stated.
Deputy President-elect William Ruto said that Okuta will always be remembered for his passion and zeal.
“RIP David Okuta. You will be remembered for fighting for the right of the Kenyan teacher with passion and zeal. Condolences to family and friends,” he stated on Twitter.
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