The day Jakoyo Midiwo was suspended for calling MPs thieves
Former GEM MP Jakoyo Midiwo died on Monday June 14. Known to friends and close associates as Otada, Jakoyo was eulogised as a skilled debator often fearless and outspoken when speaking his mind.
As a Deputy Minority Leader in September 2013, Jakoyo was suspended from the National Assembly for the 4 days in a case gross misconduct after he reffered to fellow MPs as thieves.
"A country that election after election steals elections drops the citizens of their rights. Then you will say free and fair elections. Free where? Yes! You are thieves. That is where the country is failing. You are thieves," a passionate Jakoyo said while making his submission during a motion passed to push Kenya's withdrawal from the International Criminal Court by Jubilee allied MPs.
However, after a one month recess, Kikiyu MP Kimani Ichungwa rose on a motion of order stating: "we do not apologise to Hon Jakoyo Midiwo or anybody else because we won this election free and fair."
Jakoyo was the suspended after Speaker Justin Muturi established from the hansard that Midiwo referred to MPs allied to Jubilee as thieves.
108 MPs voted for the suspension of Jakoyo while 91 opposed making Jakoyo the first MP to be suspended from the 11 Parliarment.
CORD MPs walked out in protest accusing the speaker of being biased and undermining the opposition.
A close relative who spoke to People Daily, said Jakoyo died on Monday evening at a Nairobi Hospital after suffering cardiac arrest. He was 55.
Jakoyo joined active politics in 2002 and served for three terms until 2017 when he lost to Elisha Ochieng who had defeated him in the ODM primaries.
DP William Ruto in his message of condolences said the former MP was a dedicated leader who never shied from speaking his mind.
"Mheshimiwa Jakoyo Midiwo was a vocal and dedicated figure who spoke his mind. He was outspoken, courageous and a tireless leader whose exceptional service to the people of Gem will be missed.
"Our commiserations to the family, their loved ones and the people of Siaya at this dark time. Rest In Peace, Mheshimiwa Midiwo," he tweeted.
ODM leader Raila heaped praise on Jakoyo saying he was a gifted leader who had the ability to mingle with leaders across the political divide.
"...An astute debater, a man of his word and honour, Jakoyo had a rare ability to work across the aisle and got along with members from across the political divide. I will dearly miss him," he said.
