Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja termed as “disrespectful” claims made by Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko that the Late Kibra MP Ken Okoth had two wives.
Sonko on Thursday spoilt the atmosphere at Ken Okoth’s memorial service held at the Moi Girls’ High School in Nairobi, when he said that the Late lawmaker had another wife besides Monica.
“The Late Ken Okoth has a child named Okoth with one Annitah, who is a nominated MCA in the County Assembly of Nairobi. Let us not lie to ourselves,” said Sonko, adding: “It is not wrong to have more than one wife. Recently President Kenyatta signed into law a bill allowing polygamy.”
The governor’s remarks come just two days after Ken Okoth’s mother, Angeline Ojwang, claimed her son “has never sired a baby with any woman”.
“Ken did not sire any child. I know many women will come out to claim they have at least a child with Ken,” Angeline Ajwang Ongere told K24 Digital at her home in Kibra on Tuesday.
Ken Okoth’s only known wife is Monica Ambrosini-Okoth, an Italian national.
Taking to the podium a few minutes after Sonko’s statement, Sakaja said the governor’s remarks were uncalled-for.
“I know there are allegations that have been made right on this podium. I knew Ken to be a man of dignity. Ken Okoth’s personal matters shouldn’t be broadcast to the public. Ken was a respected man. And, we know that he has left this world having adequately planned the welfare of his family. For the respect that we all should accord Ken, let those [wild] claims be limited to this event. We, as his brothers, who knew him so well and loved him, we will give Ken the respect and honour that he deserves,” said Sakaja.
Meanwhile, Ken Okoth’s cremation scheduled for Saturday will not go on as planned after the Milimani Law Courts on Thursday, August 1, stopped the Late MP’s family from proceeding with the arrangements.
The complainant, Anne muthoni Thumbi, who claims to have a child with Ken Okoth, moved to court on Thursday to request for an injunction stopping burial plans, until she is recognised as the Late lawmaker’s bonafide partner.
Certified as urgent, the court directed that the said-cremation plans set for Saturday be stopped until the case is heard and determined.
The case will be heard on August 9.