Kenya’s first deputy prime minister and presidential hopeful Uhuru Kenyatta started his day by going to Lee Funeral home in Nairobi to see off his fallen compatriot the first deputy Prime Minister of Uganda, Eriya Kategaya, who died in Nairobi on Saturday.  

Kenyatta, who was expected to cast his vote at 9:00am at Gatundu South Constituency, arrived at quarter past 11:00am to vote in a race that has eight people seeking the keys to the state house in East Africa’s most prosperous economy.

“I send my heartfelt condolences to the family and people of Uganda following the untimely death of the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African affairs Eriya Kategaya,” a statement from Kenyatta read.

“I pray that God gives the family, and the people of Uganda, the strength to bear the loss at this difficult time. Kategaya is a close friend and a colleague, and his death is a big loss to the people of Uganda and the East African region,” said Kenyatta.

Kategaya died in a Kenyan hospital on Saturday after a long battle with a blood condition that caused blood clotting. At the time of his death, Kategaya was working towards the attainment of the East African common market and a single currency among others.

He will be remembered for his contribution towards the reconstruction of Uganda.

“Earlier today, I joined his family at the Lee Funeral home to pay my last respects. Not only was he my friend, he was a great friend of Kenya. May the Lord rest your soul in eternal peace Brother,” said Kenyatta.