The Specialized Committee on Defense and Veteran Affairs at the national legislature has confirmed the passing on of its member, General Salva Mathok.

The committee did not indicate where the former deputy Minister of interior died on Tuesday.

However, the spokesperson of the parliament said the lawmaker died while receiving treatment in Nairobi-Kenya as opposed to media reports he died in Bangkok, Thailan.

“It is we deep sorrow that we announced to the leadership, honorable members, and the entire staff of the transitional legislative assembly, the sudden passing of Honorable General Salva Mathok Gendit Piol, a member of the Specialized Committee on Defense and Veteran Affairs,” it said.

In a statement to Eye Radio’s newsroom, signed by the chair Michael Ayuen Johnson, the Specialized Committee on Defense and Veteran Affairs at the Transitional Legislative Assembly said it has lost a patriotic icon of nationalism.

It described him as an energetic member of parliament and a liberator of the South Sudanese people.