Former Nairobi Mayor Dick Wathika dies

Former Nairobi Mayor Dick Wathika is dead. Waithika, who was a one-time MP for Makadara Constituency, passed away on Saturday, December 19.

The cause of death is yet to be determined, but sources indicate that former politician went to a Nairobi based hospital before his passing.

Fellow political leaders mourned his passing, and some took to social media to share their condolence messages.

Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko took, who also served as Makadara MP following a 2010 by-election, took his official Facebook page to mourn Wathika saying, “I am deeply saddened by the news of death of Hon. Dick Wathika this evening.On behalf of my family, the people of Nairobi and on my own behalf, our thoughts and prayers are with your family.”

Sonko went further to state that Wathika had served as the moderator for his father’s funeral.

“I have known Dick for years dating back to his tenure as Makadara MP. He was also the M.C during my late Dad’s funeral ceremony. My family takes this early opportunity to send our condolences. May the God give his family strength and courage during this difficult moment,” read the post.

Kiambu Governor William Kabogo, Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua and Nairobi Deputy Governor Jonathan Mueke took to Twitter to share their condolence messages.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Wathika Family and friends. Rest in Peace Hon. Dick Wathika.

— Governor Kabogo (@governorwkabogo) December 19, 2015

Am deeply saddened by the demise of Dick Wathika. This is not only a great loss to Mukurweini or Nyeri people, but the whole country. RIP

— Hon Nderitu Gachagua (@GovernorNyeri) December 19, 2015

My heartfelt condolences to the family of former Mayor @DickWathika. I will surely miss your wise counsel. RIP my friend.

— Jonathan Mueke (@jmueke) December 19, 2015

Wathika was first elected as Nairobi mayor in 2004, and clinched the seat again in 2006.

In the 2007 General Elections, he vied for the Makadara seat under the Party of National Unity ticket.

Wathika was declared winner, but ex-MP Reuben Ndolo challenged this win in court citing numerous electoral irregularities.

In 2010, Justice Kalpana Rawal in quashed Wathika’s win, saying that he was not validly in office.

The Makadara seat was declared vacant and fresh elections were conducted in September 2010.

Though Wathika vied for the seat once more, Mike Sonko won the seat on a NARC-Kenya ticket . Wathika came in third, following Reuben Ndolo.