MINISTER JOHN MICHUKI DIES

Kenyan Environment Minister John Michuki passed on late Tuesday night at the Aga Khan Hospital ICU following a lengthy illness.

The news came in just after previous reports of his passing earlier in the week had died down on social networks, following similar scares that had been prematurely reported about another prolific politician, Njenga Karume.

This raised concerns in the public domain over irresponsible journalism by media outlets and how they report material without confirming their sources or ensuring the news is accurate.

Read related Njenga Karume post here >>

Hon. Michuki had previously been flown to the UK after suffering a stroke but had been slowly recovering, his family stated. He suffered a heart attack after multiple organ failure.

The Minister was famous for the ‘Michuki laws’ which saw public transportation being streamlined by ensuring all passengers are buckled in and also that the loud music that was characteristic in matatus was reduced. Anyone who plied the city’s routes such as Githurai 44 or BuruBuru 58 will remember how PSVs were mobile boom boxes before his era.

President Kibaki, who was leaving for the UK to attend a Conference on Somalia, confirmed the news stating that ‘Michuki was a focused public servant, determined business man and issue-oriented politician.’

The President went ahead and wished the Michuki family and his constituents ‘strength and fortitude to bear the loss.’

Have a look at a tribute video that KTN Kenya came up with in honour of John Michuki below