Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has hinted at possible hidden malice in the death of a top-ranked official in the office of the Deputy President.
Through a cryptic condolence message, Matiang’i expressed his shock at the news that William Ruto’s Chief of Staff Ambassador Ken Osinde had passed away.
He went on to reveal that for the long duration he knew him, Osinde never showed any signs of ill health.
Praising his devotion to personal fitness, Matiang’i described the late 59-year-old as a man whose life portrayed the image of robust health.
He, therefore, could not understand why such an untimely death had befallen him.
“For the duration I have known him, Amb Osinde has never exhibited sickness or ill health,” he wrote.
“Indeed, his life has been a portrait of robust health. His devotion to a rigorous personal fitness regime is public knowledge,” he added.
Osinde was pronounced dead at the Nairobi Hospital on Friday, 10 December 2021 after battling an undisclosed illness.
The former Ambassador of Kenya to Germany was appointed as the Chief of Staff in the Office of the Deputy President in 2016 following the stepping down of Maryanne Keitany from the role.
Keitany’s resignation was inspired by a series of controversial graft allegations, among them the infamous Deputy President’s private jet saga.
For many who knew him, Osinde was a “cool-headed” guy who ensured the Harambee House Annex ran effectively despite its holder’s busy schedule.
As chief of staff, he was a go-between between the staff, the public and the DP and mediated many disputes before they would reach Ruto.
His last public appearance was during the Devolution Conference held in Makueni County on Friday, November 26 where he had gone to represent the DP but he was denied a chance to speak.
The Council of Governors chaired by Martin Wambora, settled on Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa to close the conference.
