President Kenyatta, Raila Odinga mourn death of Soita Shitanda

President Uhuru Kenyatta and CORD leader Raila Odinga have sent their message of condolences to the family, friends and relatives of the late Soita Shitanda.

In his message, President Kenyatta said the former Minister was a patriotic and committed leader who was always loyal to the government and his country.

“Death has robbed us one of the loyal sons of this country who served our country with dedication,” he said.

President Kenyatta noted that it was because of his commitment to service that Shitanda was elected in 1997 and 2002 to represent the residents of Malava constituency and also appointed to serve as a Minister in the Narc and in the Grand Coalition Governments.

In his statement, Raila Odinga said he had been saddened by the death of Shitanda with whom he served in Parliament in 1998 and in Cabinet when he was Prime Minister.

He termed the late Shitanda as a hardworking and dedicated leader who represented his people diligently and with a lot of dedication.

“He never shied away from stating what was on his mind and always spoke without fear. He was a good debater in the house and a good man to listen to,” stated Raila.

“On behalf of the CORD fraternity, the ODM Party, my family and on my own behalf, I express our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, relatives and the people of Malava and Kakamega County as a whole for the loss. Words alone cannot express how we feel for the loss of Hon. Shitanda. The country has lost a leader.”

The former Cabinet Minister Soita Shitanda died at the age of 56.

According to family members, the former Malava MP had been ailing for a while before being admitted at the hospital two weeks ago where he passed on Tuesday afternoon.

He was serving as the chairman Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC). Shitanda previously served as Housing Minister in the NARC and the grand coalition governments.

His death comes barely a week after his elder brother was laid to rest and a month after the death of his younger brother.

@benjaminwafula