The family of the late Nakuru politician Madaraka Paul Mwithaga have recounted the painful ordeal that he went through in his battle with cancer.

Mr Anthony Mwithaga, the deceased's brother in his conversation with Mtaa Wangu gave a heart wrenching account of his struggle before he finally succumbed.

According to Anthony, the cancer started from his right jaw before it spread to the other parts of the body including throat and stomach.

Read: Shujaa: Woman who selflessly helps cancer patients at Nakuru cancer centre

He narrated how Madaraka put up a brave face to battle the ailment even as he sought treatment locally and abroad.

"It was devastating watching him go through what he went through. It broke our hearts to see how he was being ravaged mercilessly by the disease," narrated Anthony.

He explained that the disease manifested itself late last year before he was rushed to India for treatment in February.

He remained there for five months attending chemotherapy sessions before he came back.

"He appeared to be well but three weeks later his condition started deteriorating forcing the family to fly him out again," he said.

He spent five more weeks in India before he was returned to the country and admitted at the Coptic hospital in Nairobi.

Madaraka succumbed to the illness on Wednesday 10 pm three weeks after admission at the hospital.

Mr Madaraka who until his death was a contractor has left behind a widow and four children.

In his remarks, Anthony decried the loss brought about by the cancer scourge which has left many families in grief.

"Cancer should be declared a national disaster going by the rate at which it is claiming lives. Much as it is the income generator for the pharmaceutical companies, it should not exist at the expense of human life," he said.

Mr Anthony noted that many families have been left destitute with a heavy financial burden from the treatment of the disease.

Also Read: The status of cancer in Nakuru County

Meanwhile the friends and residents of Nakuru mourned the death of Madaraka who they described as a social and relatable leader.

Veteran Journalist Raphael Munge described the death of Madaraka as a blow to Nakuru residents and the nation at large.

He mourned him as a compassionate friend and leader who understood issues of common residents.

"I have lost a great friend whom we shared a lot. Our friendship dates back to Menengai High School where we met and continued to blossom thereafter," he said.

Related: Njoro farmer gives his account on battling breast cancer

Mr Madaraka, the son to former Nakuru MP Mark Mwithaga died aged 57.

He vied for Nakuru MP in 2007, 2013 and later Senator in 2017.

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Family of Madaraka Mwithaga recount painful battle with Cancer

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Joseph Openda