Gusii region leaders have mourned former assistant minister Zebedeo Opore, who died on Friday, as a selfless leader.
Opore, who served as Bonchari MP for three terms, once served as an assistant minister in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Education Cabinet Secretary Migosi Ogamba said he had been saddened by the passing of Opore.
"He was a dedicated and visionary leader who worked tirelessly for his people. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Opore family and Bonchari,'' Ogamba said.
Former Kisii Governor James Ongwae said he was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Opore, whom he said humbly and selflessly dedicated his life to serving the people of Bonchari.
"Our friendship dates back to our school days and continued well beyond. Throughout my tenure as Governor of Kisii County, Opore was a steadfast supporter of my initiatives and always wished me well,'' Ongwae said
Ongwae, who serves as the chairperson of the Universal Service Advisory Council described Opore as a renowned economist who worked in national government before he became a member of parliament.
"To his family, relatives, friends, and constituents across Kenya, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you find strength in one another and comfort in the cherished memories you hold,'' Ongwae said.
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka said Opore worked meticulously to impact the lives of his people when he served as their MP and assistant minister.
"Opore worked meticulously to uplift the lives of his people and his contributions on earth will be remembered for generations to come,'' Onyonka said.
"He was a humble, soft-spoken resourceful leader who left a recognizable mark in Bonchari, especially on the issue of road infrastructure."'
Nominated Senator Essy Okenyuri said that, throughout his illustrious political career, Opore demonstrated unshakeable commitment to his constituents by championing their interests in and out of Parliament.
"He held the deepest respect for both young and old. The people of Bonchari have lost a true champion and Kenya has lost a voice of reason with the passing of Hon. Opore,'' she said.
"As we mourn this resolute and unswerving leader, my prayers and thoughts are with the family all the people of Bonchari who loved him. May Hon. Zebedeo Opore rest in peace."'
Opore, 77, was elected as Bonchari MP in 1997 on a Ford People ticket.
He lost his seat to Charles Onyancha in 2007 before he was elected in a by-election in 2014 and served until 2017.