Africa-Press – Kenya. The nation and the people of Likuyani and Lugari have been thrown into mourning following the death of former lawmaker Dr. Enoch Kibunguchi on the night of Monday, December 22.
Sources close to the family said Kibunguchi died at a hospital in Eldoret, and a comprehensive statement by the family will be issued at 9 a.m.
Several political leaders have sent messages of condolence to the family of the former legislator.
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa said: “I extend my condolences following the passing of Dr. Enock Kibunguchy, former Likuyani MP. He was a visionary leader who laid a strong foundation for the growth of Likuyani. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and this people of Likuyani a during this period of mourning.”
Former Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa said: “It is with a heavy heart that I mourn the passing of Hon. Dr. Enock Kibunguchy, a humble, knowledgeable, and approachable former Likuyani MP with whom we served in the 12th Parliament. May God grant his family the strength to bear this loss. We pray for the repose of his soul.”
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya termed the death another black day in the western Kenya region.
“We have lost yet another great leader for our region. May God give his family comfort at this difficult time,” said Natembeya.
BUT WHO WAS HE?
Dr. Enoch Kibunguchi served as the Member of Parliament for Likuyani Constituency for 15 years, from 2007 to 2022, before losing the seat to Innocent Mugabe in the 2022 elections.
He was elected on the FORD Kenya ticket and had announced plans to contest for the seat again in 2027. Dr. Enoch Kibunguchi was also a prominent medical doctor and operated a clinic at the same Eldoret hospital where he died.
In 2020, Dr. Kibunguchi escaped a gun attack in which his driver was fatally shot in an incident linked to political rivalry.
He initially served as MP for Lugari before it was split to create Likuyani Constituency. Dr. Enoch Kibunguchi defeated the late Cyrus Jirongo as MP for Lugari Constituency in the 2002 elections while running on a NARC ticket.
Jirongo, who had been the MP from 1997 to 2002, lost to Kibunguchi and later reclaimed the seat from 2007 to 2013.
Jirongo died a week ago and will be laid to rest in Lugari on December 30.
Among Dr. Kibunguchi’s achievements was the promotion of education and healthcare in his constituency, initiating projects such as the construction of classrooms, laboratories, and libraries, and launching an insurance programme for vulnerable families.
He is also credited with overseeing the tarmacking of roads such as Turbo–Soy and Lukusi–Sango–Mawe Tatu–Soy Sambu–Furfural.
Dr. Kibunguchi was formerly a renowned investor in real estate and the transport industry in Eldoret. The former MP had kept a low profile and was running his clinic before his demise.
His death comes just days after the passing of Cyrus Jirongo, who also served as a Cabinet minister and Member of Parliament for Lugari.
Source: The Star
