By Agwanda Powerman

Kisumu based freelance journalist Fredrick Owino Awich is dead.

Awich who was a regular contributor to most of the weekly papers and online editions passed away on Friday night at Moi Referral Hospital where he had been undergoing treatment due to severe heart condition.

According to his sister Syprose Juma who was on his bedside, the journalist passed away around 4am.

“His condition grew worse and this morning he passed away, he died while having normal conversation with us and we were surprised that he was having his last moments with us”one close family member who never want his name mentioned said.

Following his death various leaders have send their messages of condolences led by Kisumu Advocate and football clubs owner David Otieno Njer , COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli, Kisumu Town West and East MPs; John Olago Aluoch and Shakeel Shabbir, Nyatike MP Edick Omondi Anyanga, Pollins Anyango of Nyakach, East Africa Law Society Secretary James Aggrey Mwamu ,Office of the President Assistant Minister Joshua Orwa Ojode,Former Marie Stopes Coutry Director Cyprian Otieno Awiti, Nairobi Businessman James Onyango K’oyoo,Senior Deputy Commissioner of Police Omar Jambeni Bakari amongst others.

Kisumu businessmen and an aspirant for a parliamentary seat during the last general elections Shem Okeyo Onyango “Kwega” and Calleb Ingolo lamented the demise of Awich saying he will be greatly misses with Karachuonyo ODM Chairman Jack Agutu Nduri saying he had lost more than a colleague while Emuhaya ODM youth leader Ben Ombima saying Awich was more than a friend to all .

Awich who was a radical writer during his writing days is best remembered for his covering of the then opposition clique revolving round Lands Minister James Orengo,Oloo Aringo, Shem Ochuodho and Medical Services Minister Anyang’ Nyong’o among others who were strong Raila’s critics during the nineties which led to Raila Odinga allies and youths forcing him to “self-exile” outside luo Nyanza as he was perceived to be “intoxicating” luo minds with politics of Orengo and the group.

By the time of his death the late was contemplating writing a political weekly luo newspaper within the province.

ENDS.