• Osogo served in the Cabinet for a period spanning 16 years between 1964 to 1980.
• He served in various ministries in founding father Mzee Jomo Kenyatta's administration and in that of his successor Daniel Moi.
Image: HANDOUT
A requiem mass for the later former Cabinet Minister James Osogo was held on Tuesday at the Holy Family Basilica.
Osogo died on Tuesday, August 15 at the Aga Khan Hospital in Kisumu where he had been receiving treatment after a series of illnesses. He was 91 years old.
Several leaders are attending the requiem mass including Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua.
"At the Holy Family Basilica for the requiem mass for the late Hon James Osogo one of the independence era Ministers and former member for Busia south (now Bundalangi) a voice of reason and a man of integrity. I was privileged to work with him in the seventh Parliament," she said.
Osogo served in the Cabinet for a period spanning 16 years between 1964 to 1980.
He served in various ministries in founding father Mzee Jomo Kenyatta's administration and in that of his successor Daniel Moi.
He was first appointed Assistant Minister for Agriculture from 1964 to 1966, Minister for Information and Broadcasting (1966-1969), and Minister for Commerce and Industry (1969-1973) within which 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.
On August 17, the National Assembly celebrated him for his leadership standards and for promoting ethics.
House Speaker Moses Wetang’ula said Osogo will be remembered as an inspiration to many current and future leaders.
“He was a respected and visionary public servant, uncompromising and an astute thinker whose service to the community was unmatched,” he said.
President William Ruto, Opposition leader Raila Odinga and Prime Cabinet Secretary all mourned the career civil servant with
Ruto described him as a respected and visionary public servant and an astute thinker whose service to the community was unmatched.
Raila said he was an icon in Kenyan history.
"Serving alongside him in the 7th Parliament was a privilege. His passing leaves a void."
The leaders conveyed their condolences on August 16, a day after the Prime CS who described Osogo as a real friend and a humble icon.
"I have lost a real friend. Kenya has lost a citizen with a rich history," he said.