Members of civil society groups and human rights defenders are mourning the sudden death of their colleague Ibrahim Ogeto.

Mr Ogeto who was the coordinator of the Paralegal Network in Nakuru county died on Saturday night.

Paul Masese Kemunche, the Chief Executive Officer at the Centre of Enhancing Good Governance (CEDGG) who visited the family in Bahati, said Mr Ogeto had complained of a headache and a flu before he was rushed to Mediheal hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

His body was taken to PNN funeral home in Nakuru.

Reacting to Ogeto’s death, Mr Masese termed it as abrupt and shocking, noting that Mr Ogeto had been full of life.

He described him as a key pillar in the access to justice initiatives in Nakuru county, having assisted many people countrywide.

According to Mr Masese, Ogeto was a human rights defender and a strategic community mobilizer whose death is a huge blow to the civil organisations and human rights movement.

"Ogeto was a strategic player in the justice system as he acted as a link between the citizens, civil society and the government. I am still in shock," said Mr Masese.

Mr Ogeto was also a member of the Alternative Justice System working group.

Having worked for a long time as the chairman of the Bondeni community policing committee, he was able to establish a good rapport with many government offices and was able to access any of them for assistance.

Mr Masese said they are waiting for post mortem results to ascertain the cause of his death, as they embark on funeral arrangements.

opendajoseph@gmail.com

Human rights defender's sudden death shocks many

Author Spotlight

Joseph Openda