Wednesday, August 16, 2023 Leaders have continued to mourn the passing on of the first Budalang’i Member of Parliament James Charles Nakhwanga Osogo.
The former cabinet member in both the Kenyatta and Daniel Arap Moi administrations passed away on Tuesday August 15 at about 3:30PM at the age of 91.
His family and spokesman made the confirmation immediately attracting reactions from leaders around the country.
For Instance, Chief Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavdi wrote a long remark on the past life of Osogo terming him as a humble icon and friend who led by example.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the late Mzee Osogo’s family, relatives, friends, the Luhya Community, and the rest of Kenyans. We have lost a humble icon. I have known Mzee Osogo not just as an illustrious politician but as a father figure.
“Our families have always been close. His children were schoolmates, while one of them, Steve, was my classmate at Nairobi Primary School. In my political career, I have had the opportunity to consult with late Mzee Osogo both at his rural Busia and Nairobi homes,” Mudavadi went on.
Mudavadi reminisced the day Hon. Osogo gifted him with his an autobiography “Honorary Deeds” that firmly describes whom he really was as a human being.
On his part, President William Ruto, while grieving with the family yesterday Tuesday August 16, said that the death of Osogo had robbed leadership of this nation a visionary and an astute man who served this country diligently.
“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.
“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,” Ruto wrote.
Osogo who served in various positions was also Agriculture Minister in past regimes and his condition deteriorated on Saturday, August 12, when he was diagnosed with Hypertension and Diabetes. The doctors also noted that his organs began to fail, prompting them to admit him to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) until his demise in a Kisumu facility.
Before the name Budalang’i, the constituency was first referred to as Ruwambua in Busia County where the current Sports Cabinet Secretary CS Ababu Namwamba served before he was replaced by MP Raphael Wanjala.