Veteran journalist Philip Ochieng dies

Veteran journalist Philip Ochieng dies

Veteran journalist, author and renowned former Sunday Nation columnist Philip Ochieng is dead.

Mr. Ochieng, according to his family, died at his home in Awendo, Migori County, after battling pneumonia.

He had only been discharged from hospital last week.

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has since mourned the deceased saying Kenya has lost a “legendary columnist with an unmatched prowess of the English language.”

“Kenya has lost in the passing of Philip Ochieng, a veteran journalist and legendary columnist with an unmatched prowess of the English language. Through the power of the pen, Philip spoke to the most powerful and moved the society into action,” wrote the former Prime Minister.

“Philip penned his thoughts and gave a voice to the voiceless. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, the Nation Media Group and the media fraternity.”

Through the power of the pen, Philip spoke to the most powerful and moved the society into action. pic.twitter.com/sq5p7IgiJR

— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) April 27, 2021

Deputy President William Ruto, on his part, mourned Mr. Ochieng as a “consummate, no-nonsense and committed journalist” with a deep knowledge of issues.

“Philip Ochieng’ was a consummate, no-nonsense and committed journalist whose depth of knowledge and understanding of issues was exceptional,” he said.

“He was a stickler for grammatical accuracy and used his platforms to break down the English language and teach us new things — even those we figured we knew. Ochieng’, a widely read hero, was simply in his own class; a man of varied intellectual pursuits.”

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) April 28, 2021

A host of other Kenyans have since taken to social media to pass their message of condolences on the passing on of the media giant:

— Charles Onyango-Obbo (@cobbo3) April 27, 2021

Your shoulders are the ladder on which many have climbed to greatnesses.

Thank you for The Kenyatta Succession and your excellence in wordcraft.

— Mwalimu Joshua Njenga (@JKNjenga) April 28, 2021

— John Kamau (@johnKamau1) April 27, 2021

— Dennis Itumbi, HSC (@OleItumbi) April 27, 2021

— Oliver Mathenge (@OliverMathenge) April 27, 2021

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