Tributes pour in for the fallen wordsmith
Political leaders, journalists and Kenyans of all walks of life have continued to mourn the death of veteran journalist Philip Ochieng’, who passed away on Tuesday night.
Philip, who wrote the long-running Fifth Columnist column in the Sunday Nation and another one in the Saturday Nation, was one of the best journalists in the region, having worked and trained many writers and editors in his long career. He succumbed to pneumonia complications at home area of Awendo, Migori County. He was 83.
The Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) President Churchill Otieno led journalists in mourning the veteran journalist who had shaped careers of many media people: “Here lies a giant! I first encountered him in ‘Tongue in Cheek’, then he stretched it all the way to ‘Fifth Columnist’. What a life in journalism.
Go there well senior. Editors, journalists and the entire media fraternity wish you eternal peace.”
Veteran journalist David Makali said: “Philip was a learned man of letters, media maverick, trainer and wordsmith par excellence, and mentor of many a journalist. He will always be remembered for his seminal views in “I Accuse the Press”. Rest in Peace patriarch.”
The book, The Fifth Columnist, A Legendary Journalist, written by his former colleague at the Nation Liz Gitonga-Wanjohi, helped capture the life and times of Ochieng’.
ODM leader Raila Odinga eulogised Philip as a celebrated wordsmith, editor, columnist and author, whose stylish journalism captured the imaginations of readers for nearly four decades.
“Through the power of the pen, Philip spoke to the most powerful and moved the society into action,” said Raila.
Deputy President William Ruto described him as a no-nonsense journalist: “Philip was a consummate, no-nonsense and committed journalist whose depth of knowledge was exceptional.
Amani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi in his message said the Philip had a colourful and illustrious media career.
“I wish to send my sincere condolences to the family, friends and media fraternity following the passing of the Fifth Columnist,” he said.
“My heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of legendary scribe. Philip shaped and mentored many journalists. His articles motivated many readers and shaped the society,” said Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya.
Senate Majority leader Samuel Poghisio (West Pokot) said Philip was frank and fearless in his views
“He was an intellectual giant of our times. Frank and fearless in his views, his work spanned across many decades,” said Poghisio.
Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan described the late writer as “one of the greatest Kenyan journalists of our times,” saying that Ochieng’s columns and writings “set an unsurpassed standard for Kenyan journalism.”
After schooling in his home village in present-day Awendo, Migori, Philip’ got admitted to the prestigious Alliance High School, then under the unforgettable Carey Francis, who at one time had to go to his rural home to persuade him to go back and complete school.
