Kenya and the Diplomatic community in the federal capital territory, Abuja, have been thrown into mourning following the death of the Kenyan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Wilfred Machage.
Ambassador Machage collapsed at home and was later confirmed dead at a hospital in Abuja.
In a statement, the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that he collapsed at his home and was pronounced dead at hospital in Abuja on Saturday.
The statement reads: “the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regrets to announce the sudden death of Hon Dr. Ambassador Wilfred Machage, Kenya High Commissioner to Nigeria and accredited to 12 other countries in Central and Western Africa which occurred today.
“Ambassador Machage collapsed at home and was pronounced dead at hospital shortly thereafter at around 12.30pm this afternoon in Abuja, Nigeria. His wife was with him when this unfortunate incident happened.
“Confirming the passing of Amb. Machage, the Principal Secretary Ambassador Macharia Kamau said the Ministry, and the country had lost a dedicated and committed leader.”
Meanwhile, his twin brother, Sospeter Magita, who is also a former Kenya Ambassador to Russia told journalists that the commissioner collapsed and died at his home after taking lunch.
Magita said that his brother Gisuka has enjoyed relatively good health.
“It is a very sad moment that I have today lost my best friend and confidant,” he said.
He added that his brother died while in the company of his wife-whom they had been living together with in Nigeria.
The last time a representative of a foreign country died in Abuja was on October 24, 2014 when the former High Commissioner of Sudan to Nigeria, Tagelsir Ali, died.