President Uhuru Kenyatta has sent a message of condolence to the family, friends and relatives of former Kamkunji MP George Gregory Wilson Nthenge.
Nthenge, a maverick independence-era politician, former Cabinet Minister and businessman, passed away on Tuesday night aged 94 years.
The President eulogised the former legislator as an elder statesman and an icon of Kenya's independence struggle who played a pivotal role in entrenching democracy in the country.
"It is disheartening to learn of the passing away of Nthenge, one of our country's few remaining independence-era politicians, freedom fighter, and architect of our second liberation," he said.
"Mzee Nthenge was a highly respected elder statesman, pro-democracy agitator and mentor whose journey through life epitomized the rich political history of the Kenyan nation."
Uhuru said it is because of the solid foundation laid by Nthenge and his generation of leaders, and their work over the decades, that Kenya stands tall in the community of nations as a strong, democratic and prosperous nation.
The President wished Mzee Nthenge's family God's comfort as they mourn their departed patriarch.
Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua mourned Nthenge as a brilliant and visionary leader.
"I am sad to learn of the passing of Nthenge. He survived tragedy and celebrated life. He is one of the greatest leaders of Kenya. Rest In Peace," he said.
Besides his long political career, Nthenge was an accomplished businessman and one of Kenya's foremost curio exporters who founded a handicraft factory in Machakos town in 1953.
Nthenge was a member of LEGCO for the then larger Machakos District in 1960.
He was among the leaders who attended the Lancaster House Conference in London prior to Kenya’s independence.
In the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, he was the Member of Parliament for Iveti South.
He served as Kamukunji MP between 1992 and 1997.
Edited by D Tarus
