Members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party have been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of Alego-Usonga branch chairman Mzee John Orwenjo Umidho.
The veteran politician succumbed on the night of Wednesday, September 11, 2024. His passing comes two months after the demise of his son Wakili Evans Orwenjo.
While mourning the fallen hero, the party described him as a loyal and active member who spent most of his time strengthening ODM. Adding that he was instrumental in bringing sanity, stability and unity to the party not only in Alego but also in the larger Siaya County.
“We mourn the passing on last night of our Alego-Usonga Branch Chairman Mzee John Orwenjo Umidho after an illness. Mzee was a loyal & and active member of the party and spent most of his time strengthening the party. He was instrumental in bringing sanity, stability and unity, in the party in Alego and the larger Siaya County.” ODM’s condolence message reads.
“As a party, we have lost a gem. His death comes barely two months after the death of his son Wakili Evans Orwenjo. We pray for his family, friends, relatives and the entire ODM fraternity in Siaya County for the loss.”
On the other hand Siaya County Governor James Orengo, through his X account disclosed that he has lost a good friend who was a firm believer in the principles of the ODM Party adding that as the chairman he served with diligence, dedication and loyalty.
“It’s heart-clenching to learn of the death of my good friend and veteran politician John Orwenjo Umidha “Maama”. Orwenjo was a firm believer in the principles of our beloved ODM Party. As the chairman of Alego Usonga Constituency, he served with diligence, dedication and loyalty. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he wrote.
Evans’s death
Late Mzee John Orwenjo Umidho’s son Wakili Evans Orwenjo passed away on July 12, 2024, while receiving treatment at Nairobi Hospital. He was battling cancer.
He was buried on July 27, 2024, at his rural home in Siaya County. His burial was attended by ODM party leader Raila Odinga and governor James Orengo.
1/2 We mourn the passing on last night of our Alego-Usonga Branch Chairman Mzee John Orwenjo Umidho after an illness. Mzee was a loyal & and active member of the party and spent most of his time strengthening the party. He was instrumental in bringing sanity, stability and unity pic.twitter.com/iUIXV9Xvuz
— The ODM Party (@TheODMparty) September 12, 2024