Msambweni MP Suleiman Dori dies, to be buried today

Msambweni Member of Parliament (MP) Suleiman Dori is dead, his family has confirmed.

Kinango MP Benjamin Tayari also confirmed the death.

Mr Dori died at Aga Khan Hospital in Mombasa Monday morning.

A relative, Shahame Azizi, said he passed on at around 5 am at the hospital where he has been receiving treatment for cancer.

"I have received the news this morning. His body is at Aga Khan. We are making arrangements to be there," Mr Tayari told the Nation.

His body has been moved from the hospital to his rural home in Ghazi, Kwale County, for burial this afternoon.

Mr Dori's death comes after he had gone silent for months and was not seen in public.

Close friends had told the Nation that the MP had disappeared from the public limelight because he was sick.

The Nation understands that it was just recently that he was seen back at public functions.

TRIBUTES

President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga led political leaders in the country in mourning the death of the Msambweni MP.

Mr Kenyatta described Mr Dori as an astute politician who served his constituents with utmost commitment.

“President Uhuru Kenyatta has sent a message of condolence to the family, friends and the people of Msambweni Constituency following the death of MP Suleiman Ramadhani Dori. In his message of comfort, the President described the fallen legislator as an astute politician who served his constituents with utmost commitment,” State House said via its official Twitter handle.

Mr Odinga sent his condolences to the people of Msambweni Sub-County and the MP's family.

“My heartfelt condolences go out to the people of Msambweni and family of Ramadhani Suleiman Dori who passed on this morning. May the lord grant his family comfort at this difficult moment and may his soul rest in peace," Mr Odinga said.

Deputy President William Ruto termed the fallen MP as a progressive figure who tirelessly championed for empowerment of the people of his constituency.

“He was hardworking, focussed, fearless, with an inextinguishable love for everyone. Ambitious, ingenious and committed to public service, Mheshimiwa Dori was indomitable, a moral enthusiast whose leadership advocated for equal justice. We will miss his firmness, wise counsel and vigour to improve the lives of the people the coastal region,” said Dr Ruto in a statement.

Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya and his Mombasa counterpart Hassan Joho led Coast leaders in mourning Mr Dori, who was also the Coast Parliamentary Group (CPG) chairman.

“I send my condolences on behalf of my government to family, friends and the people of Msambweni and May God grant them solace in this time of grief,” said Mr Mvurya in a statement.

Mr Joho, who is ODM deputy party leader, said Mr Dori will forever remain a lesson in courage and true dedication to community service.

“May the Almighty assuage our grief. We have lost a true son of the nation and an ardent defender of the people of Msambweni and coast region at large,” posted Mr Joho on his social media platforms.

Fellow MPs converged at the Aga Khan Hospital in Mombasa to mourn with the family and plan his burial.

Among the leaders who were at the hospital include Kwale Senator Issa Boy, MPs Abdulswamad Nassir (Mvita), Mishi Mboko (Likoni), Ali Mbogo (Kisauni), Ali Sherrif (Lamu East) and Mombasa County Speaker Aharub Khatri.

Ms Mboko said he had engaged Mr Dori on matters affecting coastal people through the CPG last week.

“We were with him recently. He was rushed to hospital just two days ago. It is sad we have lost him. He was an energetic and ambitious leader. This is a big loss,” said Ms Mboko.

Mr Nassir said Mr Dori had complained of complications two days ago before he was rushed to hospital.

“He had an issue with his throat, then his lungs and chest when he was taken to hospital. We are really saddened by his death,” he said.