The Kenya ambassador to Nigeria, 65-year-old Wilfred Gisuka Machage, has been confirmed dead after collapsing at his Abuja home.
The late ambassador’s twin brother, Sospeter Magita, disclosed that his sibling collapsed and died at his home after taking lunch.
Magita said that his brother Gisuka has enjoyed relatively good health.
“It is a very sad moment that I have today lost my best friend and confidant,” he said.
The statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that the ambassador’s wife was with him when he collapsed.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs regrets to announce the sudden death of Hon Dr. Ambassador Wilfred Machage, Kenya High Commissioner to Nigeria and accredited to 12 other countries in Central and Western Africa which occurred today.
“Ambassador Machage collapsed at home and was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly thereafter at around 12.30pm this afternoon in Abuja, Nigeria. His wife was with him when this unfortunate incident happened.
“Confirming the passing of Amb. Machage, the Principal Secretary to the Ambassador Macharia Kamau said the Ministry and the country had lost a dedicated and committed leader,” the statement read.
The former senator was appointed as an ambassador by President Uhuru Kenyatta in January 2018.
He was first elected into parliament in 2002, representing the Kuria constituency. He was re-elected in 2007 on a Democratic party ticket.
Machage also served as Migori County Senator from 2013-2017.
He previously held the East African Community Affairs docket as a cabinet minister and assistant minister of home affairs in the office of the vice president.
In November last year, he received Kenyan National Assembly Speaker, Justin Muturi, at the High Commission in Nigeria, where he highlighted the need to grow business relations between the two countries.
“On the sidelines of the CPA conference in Abuja, I took some time to visit the Kenyan High Commission in Nigeria, and to interact with the staff ably led H.E Ambassador (D r.) Wilfred Machage, who are doing a great job to enhance our relations with the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
