(PHOTOS) Requiem held for General John Koech

Family and friends of the late General John Koech went to pay their last respects during a requiem at St Austine's Parish on Friday.

Koech, former deputy chief of General staff lieutenant, died last Sunday after a short illness at a Nairobi hospital.

In his message of condolence message to the family, Deputy President William Ruto said Koech was a leader of character, a hero, a true patriot and a brave man in uniform who was dedicated to serve and defend the country.

He described him as a quick-witted, strict but fair-minded person.

"General Koech was a progressive and vibrant leader who became a central figure in the transformation of our military. We will miss his wise counsel, and vision and vigour to empower the people of Ainamoi," read his message.

He added, "Our thoughts and prayers are with General Koech family, their loved ones, friends and the people of Kericho County".

Upon his retirement in 2008, the late Koech gave a stab in politics where he ran for Ainamoi parliamentary seat on his united democratic movement (UDM) party but lost it.

He later ventured into farming where he rears more than 150 dairy cows at his 300-acre farm in Ainamoi.

He also owns a private tea factory-Siomo-at Konoin in Bomet.

Koech was also a commandant of the National Defence College between 2004 and 2005.