Grief has gripped the County Government of the Homa Bay fraternity following the death of the county chaplain, Pastor Raphael Obego, after a short illness.
Among the leaders who mourned Pastor Obego are Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo and Governor Gladys Wanga.
Dr. Omollo said the clergyman always offered uplifting spiritual teachings to his flock, adding Obego’s unwavering faith and optimistic spirit illuminated the paths of many, offering hope and encouragement when it was needed most.
“My sincere condolences go out to his family, friends, staff, and people of Homa Bay. May his soul find eternal peace,” Dr. Omollo wrote in his condolence message.
Governor Wanga said the Chaplain’s contribution to the county government and people of Homa Bay will be remembered forever.
Homa Bay County Government Chief Officer for Health Kevin Osuri said the chaplain died while undergoing surgery to treat peritonitis, adding the clergyman was taken to the hospital with breathing difficulties.
Dr. Osuri said surgeons at the hospital wanted to perform an exploratory laparotomy, which is a surgical procedure that involves opening the abdomen to visually examine the organs for injuries or disease and is performed under general anaesthesia.
“The infection and deterioration of his health was fast, and we lost him,” the chief officer said.
A postmortem was later conducted on the clergyman’s body in the presence of his family, and it revealed perforations in the duodenum, according to Dr. Osuri.
The body was transferred to Med 25 mortuary in Kirindo as burial plans commenced.
Homa Bay County Interfaith Network Chairman Abraham Odongo said the deceased was always jovial friendly and a humorous person. “He was a great person. Homa Bay County has lost a gallant son,” Odongo said.
By Davis Langat
