President Kenyatta and other Leaders Mourn Former Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo
From president.go.ke and Twitter/@StateHouseKenya
President Uhuru Kenyatta has led Kenyans in mourning former Gem Member of Parliament, the Hon Washington Jakoyo Midiwo who passed away Monday evening.
Hon Midiwo, 54 years, served as Gem MP for three terms between 2002 and 2017 on National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) parties respectively.
In his message of comfort to the family, relatives, friends and supporters of Hon Jakoyo Midiwo, the President mourned the outspoken politician as a forthright, brave and straight forward leader who spoke his mind at all times.
“I have received the sad news of the passing away of my friend, the Honorable Jakoyo Midiwo with shock and disbelief. I was with him during my recent working tour of Nyanza Region during which we opened several projects in his former constituency,” the President recalled.
The President said the late Jakoyo was a consummate debater on the floor of Parliament where he articulated matters of national importance and defended the wellbeing of Kenyans.
“The Honorable Jakoyo was a straight shooting debater on the floor of Parliament who became famous for witty anecdotes drawn from his interactions with his constituents and Kenyans across the country,” the President said.
Away from his political and legislative work, the late Jakoyo was an established television panelist who appeared on many talk shows where he discussed a vast array of public interest subjects.
President Kenyatta prayed to God to grant the family of the Hon Midiwo the grace and fortitude they need at this difficult time of mourning.
First elected MP in 2002, Jakoyo Midiwo served the people of Gem with passion for 3 terms. An astute debater, a man of his word and honor, Jakoyo had a rare ability to work across the aisle and got along with members from across the political divide. I will dearly miss him. – Hon Raila Odinga, ODM Party Leader (Twitter/@RailaOdinga)
I mourn Hon. Jakoyo Midiwo as a leader of exemplary character. As a colleague in the 9th parliament, Jakoyo demonstrated unique bipartisanship in what was then a polarized political environment. My condolences to his family and the people of Gem. Rest with the angels Jakoyo. – Hon Charity Ngilu, Governor of Kitui Counnty (Twitter/@mamangilu)
Saddened by the death of my good friend and former colleague, the Hon. Washington Jakoyo Midiwo. Hon. Midiwo will be remembered as a sociable, dependable and valiant leader who made very progressive contributions in the August House. — Hon JB MUturi, Speaker of the National Assembly (Twitter/@JBMuturi)
Sad day for our party. We have just lost a gallant son of the soil, a founder member of the Change Movement and a three time Member of Parliament for Gem Hon. Jakoyo Midiwo. He was a defender of the party & never shied away from speaking the truth. To the family, we say POLE SANA. — ODM Party (Twitter/@ODMparty)
I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the late Hon Jakoyo Midiwo who passed away this evening. The late Midiwo was a friendly and social person who will be remembered as a courageous and charismatic legislator. May his soul RIP. — Hon. Musalia Mudavadi, Party Leader ANC, (Twitter/@MusaliaMudavadi)
Mheshimiwa Jakoyo Midiwo was a vocal and dedicated figure who spoke his mind. He was outspoken, courageous and a tireless leader whose exceptional service to the people of Gem will be missed. – Hon. William Ruto, Deputy President of Kenya (Twitter/@WilliamsRuto)
I extend my deepest sympathies to the family of Former Gem MP Hon. Jakoyo Midiwo. He was my colleague during the 9th parliament in 2002, and I will remember him as a candid politician who worked tirelessly for the well-being of the people of Gem, Siaya County. May the Almighty God rest his soul in peace and give his family the strength at this time of grief. — Hon. Najib Balala, CS Tourism (Twitter/@tunajibu)
