By Mirembe Martina

Eriya Kategaya’s body has been placed on a plane and it is heading to Uganda right now.

The first Deputy Prime Minister, Eriya Kategaya passed away on Saturday from Nairobi Hospital after suffering from deep venous thrombosis (DVT). DVT is the formation of a blood clot in the veins, deep veins and it is common in the legs.

Hon. Kategaya’s body was seen off by Kenya presidential candidate, Uhuru Kenyantta who said that the deceased was a statesman.

Kategaya’s body had been at the National mortuary hospital in Nairobi. He is going to be buried on Thursday at his native home in Ntungamo home district.

A requiem mass will be held for the late at All Saints Cathedral, Nakasero on Wednesday after parliament convenes to pay tribute on Tuesday.

Kategaya died aged 70 years of age and is survived by a wife and children.

Out going Kenya president, Mwai Kibaki sent a condolence message to Uganda and President Museveni over the death of Kategaya whom he said has left a huge gap in the government of Uganda. “To everyone who knew him and had the opportunity to work and interact with him, the late Eriya was well-respected as a humble man of outstanding ability,” he said. “Eriya Kategaya was a longtime associate of President Yoweri Museveni from their school days in the early 1960s and served in various capacities as National Political Commissar for the NRM and government Minister,” he added.