Prominent Kenyan politician, businessman, and philanthropist Nicholas Biwott is dead.

The veteran politician passed away a few minutes ago at Nairobi Hospital where he was admitted after a long illness.

Biwott's death comes barely a week after Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery passed away.

Biwott who has served as a civil servant, Member of Parliament and government minister, during Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki's eras, is known for his riches.

Born in Chebior village, Keiyo District, Rift Valley Province in 1940, Biwott was a Member of Parliament for the Keiyo-Marakwet and later the Keiyo South constituency for 28 years (1979 – 2007), Biwott began public service as a District Officer in Meru District (1965 – 1966).

He went on to hold eight ministerial positions including: Minister of Regional development, Science and Technology (1982 – 1983); Minister of Energy and Regional Development (1983 – 1988); Minister of Energy (1988 – 1991); Minister of East African and Regional Co-operation (1998 – 1999); Minister of Trade and Industry, Tourism and East African Cooperation (1999 – 2001) and Minister of Trade and Industry and East African Tourism (2001 – 2002).

He died aged 77 years old.

Here are messages of condolences from Kenyans:

Juma: You will now see hypocrites heaping praises on Nicholas Biwott that he was a good man. Watch and see this #RIPBiwott

Patrick: #RIPBiwott We've lost 2 prominent leaders within 5days Kenya is a mourning nation We should hold more prayer meetings than Political rallies

Ricky: #RIPBiwott May his soul rest in peace & condolences to the family.

Andrew: My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Nicholas Biwott. May he rest in peace.

Achieng: Nicholas Biwott was once a powerful man in the KANU government. A total man but so paranoid for reasons known to him, trusted no one and was always watching his back literally. Total Man Nicko would get into a Hotel and grab a stranger's plate of food and pay for it since that was safe food, bila poison. Man Nicko would jump into 5 different cars, including rusty junkie taxis when travelling from Nairobi to Eldoret. What a life? R.I.P Total Man. Salimia Dr.Robert Ouko na wengine waliotuacha.

Kipkemboi: R.I.P Honourable.You did a lot for us as a county.We are proud of you due to the fact that you connected us to electricity long time ago.

Senator Murkomen: I have learned with tremendous sadness the passing away of our leader & friend Hon.Nicholas Biwott. Total Man leaves behind a rich legacy both in EMC & Kenya. On behalf of the great people of Elgeyo Marakwet I pass our utmost condolences to the family, friends and the entire nation. RIP KARNET

Kositany: My sincere condolences to the family, relatives, friends and the Keiyo people for passing on of Hon. Nicholas Biwott. May the almighty God Rest his soul in eternal peace.