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Noah Cheploen and Hillary Mageka 

Nominated Senator Victor Prengei, the first legislator from the minority Ogiek community, has become the latest statistic to the ever growing list of Kenyans who have either been maimed or killed on the road.

As the country was preparing to go to bed on Monday night, news filtered in that the young Jubilee Senator had been involved in an accident while driving himself home. The accident happened at Gioto on Nakuru-Kabarak road at around 9pm.

President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday mourned Prengei as a brilliant leader who worked tirelessly fto improve the welfare of youths and minority communities.

“It is disheartening and very unfortunate that death has robbed us of an energetic young leader, who worked relentlessly for the empowerment of our youth and safeguarding of the interests of our minority communities.

“As a special interest legislator, Senator Prengei has been at the forefront in advocating for the welfare of the youth and minority communities especially his Ogiek community inside and outside Parliament,” he said.

The Head of State wished the family of Senator Prengei, God’s comfort and fortitude as they come to terms with the young leader’s sudden demise.

Fighting for minority rights

Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka led his colleagues in eulogising Prengei describing him as an amiable and committed legislator who distinguished himself as a tireless champion of minority rights.

“On my own behalf and on behalf of the Senate fraternity, I convey my heartfelt and deepest condolences to his family and friends,” Speaker Lusaka said in a statement yesterday.

 “Senator Prengei, who hailed from the Ogiek minority community, beat great odds to join the Senate and was as a great inspiration to both the youth and marginalised groups,” Lusaka added.

 “We will miss his cool mien as a House,” the Speaker noted.

Until his demise, Prengei served in various House Committees including the Committee on Powers and Privileges, Committee on Devolution and Inter-governmental Relations and the Vice-Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Energy.

Deputy President William Ruto said the country had lost a great gentleman.

“Senator Victor Prengei was modest yet a distinguished public servant with firm commitment to the advancement of the Minority’s cause,” DP Ruto said in a tweet.

Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika described the deceased as a cheerful and humble representative of the youth who passionately represented minority communities in the Senate.

While terming death as cruel, Vihiga Senator George Khaniri regretted that the country has lost a visionary and humble leader who made peace with literally everything.

“Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. Rest in peace my colleague Senator Victor Prengei!” Khaniri tweeted.

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei described Senator Prengei as the first ever Ogiek to be an MP to represent minorities and marginalised plus youth interests which he did with unmatched zeal and passion. “The gentleman who always smiled,” Cherargei tweeted.

 Kirinyaga Woman Rep Wangui Ngirici said his zeal and dedication in discharging his duties cannot go unnoticed even with his death.

Homa Bay Woman Rep Gladys Wanga, who chairs the National Assembly’s Finance committee noted that the loss of the senator was a big blow to the Senate and the minority Ogiek community.

Nominated Senator Milicent Omanga tweeted: “Rest well my colleague Hon Victor Prengei, Nominated Sen.

We shall forever cherish your tireless efforts in fighting for and protecting rights of the minority communities.

We have lost a great leader. My condolences to your family, friends and  the entire Ogiek community.”

Humble leader

Nominated MP Gideon Keter described Prengei as a visionary and humble leader who made peace with literally everything at his prime in life.

“Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. Rest in peace my friend Victor Prengei! I AM SAD!” he tweeted.

Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka opined that the Ogiek community, the Senate and the country at large has lost a leader who represented great hope and aspirations.

“Nominated Senator Victor Prengei will be greatly cherished. My condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in everlasting peace,” he tweeted.

Senate Minority leader Senator James Orengo said Senate has been hit hard by the death of Senator Victor Prengei in a tragic road accident.

“My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends. We pray for his soul to rest in eternal peace.” Orengo tweeted.

National Assembly Leader of Majority Amos Kimunya described Prengei as one of the youthful leaders who championed and represented the youth and the minority communities in the Senate.