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President Uhuru Kenyatta has led the country in mourning the former Assistant Minister for Tourism and Wildlife Richard Kalembe Ndile who died on Saturday night after a long illness which the family said was related to liver complications.
He died aged 57.
The former laser-sharp tongue legislator passed on at the Nairobi Hospital where he had been admitted for the past three weeks.
His son Antony Kioko confirmed the news, saying his father died at around 5.35a.m on Sunday.
Ndile, who was the director of Tanathi Waterworks, is said to have been battling an undisclosed illness for a long time.
The once vocal politician has been relatively quiet since his failed attempt to win the Mavoko MP seat in 2017.
President Kenyatta sent a message of condolence to the family, friends and relatives of former Kibwezi Member of parliament (MP) terming him as a witty, determined and practical politician whose rise in life was as a result of sheer hardwork.
“It is unfortunate that death has taken from us the Hon Kalembe Ndile in his prime. He was a lively politician who loved and worked with everyone, and always held the interests of the country at heart,” the President said.
The Head of State recalled his interactions with the witty politician over the years saying, the late Kalembe excelled as a fighter for human rights especially the right to access land.
“With the death of Mheshimiwa Kalembe, our country has lost an astute fighter for human rights. We all remember how passionately he fought for the plight of squatters in the country,” the President eulogised the former MP.
The President wished the family of the departed politician God’s grace and comfort as they come to terms with his demise.
Deputy President William Ruto in his condolence message mourned Ndile as a devoted leader who “set an incredible example of service to all”.
“He will best be remembered for his modesty, insights, and independent voice and fighting for the rights of the underprivileged,” he tweeted.
ODM leader Raila Odinga also sent his condolences, saying the former legislator’s demise was a blow to the people of Kibwezi who benefited immensely from his charisma.
“With great shock, I have learnt of the passing of former MP Hon Kalembe Ndile,” said Raila.
He added: “The people of Kibwezi and our country have lost a charismatic leader with exceptional grassroots mobilization skills who also cared deeply for the underprivileged.”
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