Kenyan High Commissioner Collapses, Dies after Lunch in Abuja

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Kenya’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Wilfred Gisuka Machage, died yesterday in Abuja.
Machage, 65, was said to have collapsed and died at his home.

According to agency reports, the deceased envoy’s twin brother, Sospeter Magita, who is also a former Kenya Ambassador to Russia revealed on phone that Gisuka died after taking lunch.

Magita said his brother, Gisuka had enjoyed relatively good health, but lamented that: “It is a very sad moment that I have today lost my best friend and confidant.”

He further revealed that his brother died while in the company of his wife whom he had been living together with in Nigeria.
Machage, a former senator, was appointed as ambassador by President Uhuru Kenyatta in January 2018.

He was first elected into Parliament in 2002, representing Kuria constituency. He was re-elected in 2007 on a Democratic Party ticket.
Machage also served as Migori County Senator from 2013-2017.

He had previously held the East African Community Affairs docket as cabinet minister and Assistant Minister of Home Affairs in the Office of the Vice President.

A statement by Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the sudden death of Machage,
Machage was also the accredited ambassador of his country to 12 other countries in Central and Western Africa.
The statement revealed that Ambassador Machage collapsed at home and was pronounced dead at hospital shortly thereafter at around 12.30pm on yesterday in Abuja.

The statement also revealed that his wife was with him when this unfortunate incident happened.
Confirming the passing of Ambassador Machage, the Principal Secretary, Ambassador Macharia Kamau, said the ministry and the country have lost a dedicated and committed leader.