Okiya Omtatah’s daughter dies
By K24 Editorial, April 17, 2020Activist Okiya Omtatah’s 21-year-old daughter, Maryanne Marisyanna Omtatah, is dead.
The Third Year Riara University student succumbed to severe malaria at a Bungoma hospital on Thursday, April 16.
Her father, Okiya Omtatah, told K24 Digital that the young woman breathed her last at 10pm after being in a comma for one week.
“I will bury her on Saturday, April 25. I know the State has directed that burials be conducted almost immediately. However, my daughter did not die of coronavirus, and, therefore, I will bury her next week after putting in place all logistical requirements. I, however, would like to state that we will observe anti-COVID-19 measures including limiting the number of mourners and obeying social distancing guidelines,” he told K24 Digital.
Maryanne will be buried at Kwang’amor Village in Teso South Sub-County, Busia County.
The deceased was a student at Riara University pursuing a diploma course in diplomacy and international relations.
She was the third born in a family of four siblings (two sons – first and last born, and two daughters – second and third born).
“It hurts to lose a daughter who is so young, she was born on August 8, 1998,” said Omtatah.