Condolence messages poured in early Friday following the death of Nyamira Governor John Nyagarama at the Nairobi Hospital.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i was among leaders who went to Lee Funeral Home to condole with the family.
In a brief address to journalists, CS Matiang'i said leaders and the family would meet later Friday and issue a comprehensive statement on the next steps.
The minister said the family, the county and the country were devastated by news of Nyagarama's death. He said the county chief had been sick for a while and had been under intensive care.
Via Twitter earlier in the day, CS Matiang'i said, "He was a gentle and kind soul ... a real mzee and elder in the community who defended the rights of his people. My condolences to his family and the people of Nyamira County."
Nyagarama, a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), was first elected in 2013 and re-elected in 2017.
Via Twitter, the party said, "A good soul has rested. A fine man has returned to the creator. A good man, a gentleman par excellence, a man of few words, a leader who championed the rights of his people and an astute leader. The ODM has lost a loyal member and a believer in our course."
ODM leader Raila Odinga wrote, "I am deeply saddened to learn of Governor John Nyagarama’s death. My sympathies to his family and the people of Nyamira as we mourn his death and reflect on his life."
In his condolence message, ODM National Treasurer Timothy Bosire said it is time for the Abagusii to unite.
The Council of Governors (CoG) said it has lost a great, focused, action-oriented leader who served the people of Nyamira with diligence and love.
"He was humble and a stickler for administrative order. This was demonstrated during his first term, when he served in the Education committee, having been a trained, qualified and experienced teacher," CoG chair and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya said in a statement.
"We will also miss his wise counsel in the Agriculture committee. He was a member passionate about tea farming, having been a tea farmer and served in various tea production and regulatory institutions."
Nyamira Deputy Governor Amos Nyaribo said in a statement that he has lost a brother and a political friend, who was compassionate and humble.
Kisii Governor James Ongwae said the entire Gusii community, ODM, the family, friends and the entire country "have lost a great man".
"Not easy coming to terms [with tyhe death] ... and saying goodbye to my brother, schoolmate, friend, colleague and the humble character Nyamira Governor John Nyagarama [was]," he said.
Kisii Senator Janet Ong’era said, "This is a big blow to the entire Gusii Community. Mzee John was a gentleman who always championed the unity of our people. He will forever be missed for his humility and wise counsel. "
