Speaking at Lee Funeral home, a clearly distraught Kalonzo disclosed that he had been spoken with the firebrand politicians on several occasions prior to his death.
He stated that Kalembe had called him on Saturday, 3 a.m. and he sought admission to a hospital in Nairobi.
“He informed me that they had tried getting admitted at a local hospital and was later admitted at Nairobi Hospital,” he disclosed.
Thanking the doctors for their efforts to save his life, Kalonzo affirmed that Kalembe’s death was not related to any Covid-19 complications.
“I honestly did not know that was the last time I would be speaking to him,” he added.
Following the news of Kalembe’s passing, various leaders took to eulogise him with President Uhuru Kenyatta decribing him as a witty, determined and practical politician whose rise in life was as a result of sheer hard work.
“It is unfortunate that death has taken from us the Hon Kalembe Ndile in his prime. He was a lively politician who loved and worked with everyone and always held the interests of the country at heart,” Uhuru stated.
On his part, Deputy President William described the late politician as a master of equality who set an incredible example of service to all.
“He will best be remembered for his modesty, insights, independent voice and fighting for the rights of the underprivileged,” stated Ruto.
Kalembe had a political career spanning 20 years having clinched the Kibwezi parliamentary seat in 2002 and later served as the assistant minister for Wildlife in President Mwai Kibaki’s cabinet.
He adopted the name “son of a squatter” which he used to gain relatability with the people he was looking to represent in parliament.
Source: KENYAGIST.COM
