Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has mourned former Cabinet Minister James Osogo.
Osogo died on Tuesday, August 15 at the age of 91 years.
Through a statement, Musalia described Osogo as his real friend and a humble icon.
"I have lost a real friend. Kenya has lost a citizen with a rich history. I have known Mzee Osogo not just as an illustrious politician but as a father figure. Our families have always been close," he said.
Osogo served in the Cabinet for a period spanning 16 years between 1964 to 1980 where he served in various ministries in the Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel Moi governments.
He was first appointed Assistant Minister for Agriculture in 1964 to 1966, Minister for Information and Broadcasting (1966-1969), Minister for Commerce and Industry (1969-1973) within which he time he also served concurrently as Minister for Agriculture from May 1970.
He was also Minister for Local Government between 1973 to 1974, Minister for Health in 1974 and concurrently headed the Foreign Affairs docket.
Osogo was also the deputy leader of Government Business in 1978, Minister for Agriculture in 1979 and Minister for Livestock in 1980.
Musalia said Kenya has lost a humble icon whose news about his passing he received with utmost sorrow.
He revealed that Osogo's children were his schoolmates, while one of them, Steve, was his classmate at Nairobi Primary School.
"In my political career, I have had the opportunity to consult with the late Mzee Osogo both at his rural Busia and Nairobi homes. My heartfelt condolences go to the late Mzee Osogo’s family, relatives, friends, the Luhya Community, and the rest of Kenyans. We have lost a humble icon," he said.
"In 2020, the late Mzee Osogo gifted me with his autobiography 'Honorary Deeds' that firmly describes who he really was as a human being - a journey-man of admirable deeds," the Prime CS said.