Political leaders have led the nation in mourning nominated senator, Victor Prengei who died yesterday night.
Prengei died after he was involved in a road accident at Gioto area in Nakuru County.
According to preliminary police findings, lawmaker lost control and careened off the road before landing in a ditch as he we was heading towards Kabarak direction from Nakuru Town.
“It happened that the said motorvehicle was from Nakuru general direction heading towards Ravine general direction and on reaching at the location of the accident,the driver lost control of the vehicle and veered off the road to the right side as one faces Kiamunyi general direction,hit the wall and finaly rested there. As a result of the impact, Prengei sustained serious injuries,” stated a police report.
Reports suggest it was a self-involved accident, meaning the legislator’s vehicle did not ram an oncoming vehicle or one headed the same direction.
Prengei was rushed to Moi Memorial Hospital, where he died while undergoing treatment.
Confirming his death, Senate speaker Kenneth Lusaka said Prengei’s death was a big blow to the Senate and Kenya’s leadership.
He noted that the late senator was a broad-minded and non-controversial gentleman whose cool mien will be missed.
“I am heartbroken and profoundly saddened to learn of the untimely death of Sen. VictorPrengei.”
“On my own behalf and on behalf of the Senate fraternity, I convey my heartfelt and deepest condolences to his family and friends,” Lusaka said.
Nominated Senator Millicent Omanga eulogized Prengei as a friend to be cherished forever.
“Rest well my colleague and friend Victor Prengei, Nominated Senator. We shall forever cherish your tireless efforts in fighting for and protecting rights of the minority communities in our Nation. We have lost a great leader. My condolences to your family, friends and the entire Ogiek community,” Omanga tweeted.
Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui was among the first leader to condole the family, describing Prengei as a “dynamic and dedicated servant of the people.”
Deputy President William Ruto described Prengei as a modest and distinguished public servant who was committed to championing the plight of the minority in Kenya.
“He was progressive and full of ground-breaking thoughts that transformed the lives of many people. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, their loved ones, the Ogieks and our Parliament. Rest In Peace, Mheshimiwa Prengei,” Ruto said in a tweet.
Prengei was nominated to Parliament in 2017 on a Jubilee Party Ticket making him the first legislator from the minority Ogiek community.