ODM Mourns As Veteran Politician And Party Official Dies In Hospital: "He Served With Diligence"

• The ODM party has announced the passing of Alego-Usonga branch chairman and politician John Orwenjo
• The party disclosed that the deceased was instrumental in bringing sanity, stability, and unity to the party in Alego and the larger Siaya county
• In June, Orwenjo lost his son, lawyer Vincent Umidha Orwenjo, a loss that had a great impact on the entire family

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Siaya - The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is in mourning after the death of one of its prominent leaders.

John Orwenjo Umidha, widely known as Maama, died while undergoing treatment for an undisclosed illness at a hospital in Siaya. At the time of his demise, he was the chairman of the Alego-Usonga branch.

He is remembered for his remarkable ascent to become the second mayor of Siaya despite lacking formal academic qualifications.

How did ODM eulogise John Orwenjo?

"We mourn the passing on last night of our Alego-Usonga Branch Chairman Mzee John Orwenjo Umidha after an illness. Mzee was a loyal and active member of the party and spent most of his time strengthening the party. He was instrumental in bringing sanity, stability, and unity to the party in Alego and the larger Siaya county. As a party, we have lost a gem," ODM party stated.

On a related note, Orwenjo had previously faced personal tragedy when he buried his son, lawyer Vincent Umidha Orwenjo, in June. This loss had a profound impact on the family.

His death comes barely two months after the death of his son Wakili Vincent Orwenjo. We pray for his family, friends, relatives and the entire ODM fraternity in Siaya County for the loss," ODM added.

James Orengo mourns John Orwenjo

Following the sad news, Siaya governor James Orengo has penned an emotional tribute describing Orwenjo as a dedicated, loyal leader who served with diligence.

"It’s heart-clenching to learn of the death of my good friend and veteran politician John Orwenjo Umidha “Maama”. Orwenjo was a firm believer in the principles of our beloved ODM Party. As the chairman of Alego Usonga Constituency, he served with diligence, dedication, and loyalty. May his soul rest in eternal peace," he said.

"I am deeply shocked and profoundly saddened to hear about the sudden passing of Orwenjo Umidha Mama, the esteemed ODM Alego Usonga chairman and respected Elder," added a county official, William Oduol.

What caused Chennai accident that killed 5 relatives?

In other news, a family of five, including a three-year-old baby, died in a tragic accident in Chennai.

The family was returning home after visiting a sick relative when a lorry on the opposite lane lost control and ran over them.

A senior police officer disclosed that the area does not have enough cops to monitor traffic, and hence, motorists are prone to speeding and committing other offences.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke