• Ruto remembered Osogo as a respected and visionary public servant, who focus was service to the people.
• Osogo served in the Cabinet for a period spanning 16 years between 1964 to 1980 where he served in various ministries in the Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel Moi governments.
Image: HANDOUT
President William Ruto and Opposition leader Raila Odinga have condoled with the family of former Minister James Osogo.
Osogo died on Tuesday, August 15 at the age of 91 years.
Ruto remembered Osogo as a respected and visionary public servant, whose focus was service to the people.
The president prayed for God's comfort to his family and friends.
"We mourn the passing of James Osogo, a respected public servant and politician who served as one of Kenya’s pioneer ministers. He was visionary, uncompromising and an astute thinker whose service to the community was unmatched," Ruto said.
"We honour the great life that he led and the rich memories that he leaves with us. Our prayers to the family and friends during this painful time. Rest In Peace, Hon Osogo."
Azimio leader Raila Odinga described Osogo as an icon in the history of the country.
The former Prime Minister eulogised Osogo as an astute leader and said he was privileged to serve alongside him in parliament.
"Hon James Charles Osogo, an icon in Kenyan history, has rested. He was an astute leader, public servant, and family man. Serving alongside him in the 7th Parliament was a privilege. His passing leaves a void. May God grant his family strength and fortitude to bear the loss," Raila said.
Osogo served in the Cabinet for a period spanning 16 years between 1964 to 1980 where he served in various ministries in the Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel Moi governments.
He was first appointed Assistant Minister for Agriculture from 1964 to 1966, Minister for Information and Broadcasting (1966-1969), and Minister for Commerce and Industry (1969-1973) within which time he also served concurrently as Minister for Agriculture from May 1970.
He was also Minister for Local Government between 1973 to 1974, Minister for Health in 1974 and concurrently headed the Foreign Affairs docket.
Osogo was also the deputy leader of Government Business in 1978, Minister for Agriculture in 1979 and Minister for Livestock in 1980.
Former vice president and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka said;
James Charles Nakhwanga Osogo, was the last surviving member of Founder President H. E Jomo Kenyatta's Cabinet. Amongst outstanding individuals, Osogo stood out, rising through the ranks from Agriculture Ministry Parliamentary Secretary to the position of Deputy Leader of… pic.twitter.com/PEXkRYitKe
— Kalonzo Musyoka (@skmusyoka) August 16, 2023