Kenya announces death of its interior minister and 'gallant officer'

The Kenyan government on Saturday June 8, 2017; announced the death of its Interior Minister, Rtd. General Joseph Nkaissery.

The 67-year-old died in a Nairobi medical facility, Karen Hospital, few hours after he was admitted for an undisclosed ailment.

He was a member of Kenya’s National Assembly from 2012 to 2014. He left the legislature to take up the cabinet post as Secretary for Internal Security and Coordination of National Government.

Today is a sad day for Kenya and all our people. We have lost a Gallant Officer. pic.twitter.com/l0hU82HMPQ

— Uhuru Kenyatta (@UKenyatta) July 8, 2017

It is with deep sorrow and shock that we announce the sudden passing on of Interior CS Retired General Joseph Nkaissery – Joseph Kinyua

— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) July 8, 2017

Kenyans will choose their next president, legislators and local representatives on Aug. 8.

President Uhuru Kenyatta is running against his long-time rival, veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga.

Some citizens are worried there might be a repeat of violence that followed a disputed 2007 poll, when more than 1,200 people were killed in ethnic clashes and political demonstrations.

But 2013 polls passed relatively peacefully after Odinga challenged the results in court.

Nkaissery’s death is unlikely to affect preparations for the elections.