Former Kamukunji Constituency Member of Parliament (MP) who was the last surviving of the six founders of FORD Hon George Nthenge has passed on.
The veteran politician died yesterday at the age of 94.
According to Nthenge’s eldest son, Ootto Edward Musembi, his father had been discharged from a Nairobi hospital a few weeks earlier and was resting at their Buruburu home before his demise.
Mourning his demise, Machakos Governor, Alfred Mutua, said the veteran politician succumbed to Covid-19 complications.
“I am sad to learn of the passing of Hon. George Gregory Nthenge, at the age of 94, due to Covid complications. Former MP and Minister, Mzee Nthenge was a brilliant and visionary leader. He survived tragedy and celebrated life. He is one the greatest leaders of Kenya. Rest in peace,” tweeted Mutua.
Nthenge was elected a member of LEGCO representing Machakos that included the current Makueni County in 1960 together with Ambassador Henry Muli.
He was one of the authors of Kenya’s first constitution and the team that traveled to Lancaster to agitate for Kenya’s freedom was the last remaining politician of the day after the death of retired President Daniel Moi.
In the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, he was the Member of Parliament for Iveti South.
Between 1992 through 1997, he served as Kamukunji MP and is remembered as one of FORD’s founding members.
1978, Nthenge survived a road accident that killed his wife and ten children in Maanzoni region, Athi river sub-county.
In a local television interview, Nthenge said that he wanted to be buried 4 feet, two feet above his wife, who died 41 years ago.
“If all goes according to plan, my beloved second wife Scholarstica will be buried two feet above me. I love them that much.” Nthenge said.
Nthenge was the last surviving politician to have traveled to Lancaster to campaign for Kenya’s freedom in the 1960s.
Other founders of FORD included the late Philip Gachoka,Ahmed Salim Bamahriz,Jaramogi Oginga Odinga,Masinde Muliro and Martin Shikuku.
