Kenyan Activist Okiya Omtatah Loses His 21-Year-Old Daughter

Popular Kenyan activist Okiya Omtatah’s 21-year-old daughter has passed away.

Maryanne Marisyanna Omtatah, a third-year student at Riara University, died while receiving treatment at Bungoma Hospital on Thursday night.

Maryanne was in a coma for a week at the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU) after she was diagnosed with acute malaria, her dad said through Twitter on Friday.

“Just wanted to let you know that my 21-year-old girl who was in her third year at the University went with the angels to the Lord yesterday at 10 pm,” wrote Omtatah.

“Words cannot explain the pain and sorrow of losing my daughter earlier today. It hurts to lose a daughter who is so young.”

Omtatah said Maryanne, who was studying diplomacy and international relations, will be laid to rest on Saturday, April 25th at Kwang’amor village in Teso South, Busia County.

“I know the State has directed that burials be conducted almost immediately. However, my daughter did not die of Coronavirus, and, therefore, I will bury her next week after putting in place all logistical requirements.”

“I, however, would like to state that we will observe anti-COVID-19 measures including limiting the number of mourners and obeying social distancing guidelines.”