Africa-Press – Kenya. Former Shinyalu Member of Parliament Daniel Lyula Khamasi has died at the age of 79. Khamasi passed away while receiving treatment in Nairobi after a long illness.
His family said he had been battling diabetes and high blood pressure. A veteran politician, Khamasi served as the MP for Shinyalu Constituency in Kakamega County for two consecutive terms between 1997 and 2007.
He was first elected to Parliament in 1997 on a Ford–Kenya ticket during the early years of multiparty politics. In 2002, he successfully defended his seat under the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC), which swept to power nationally.
During his decade in Parliament, Khamasi served in the 7th and 8th Parliaments, where he was known as a steady legislator and an advocate for grassroots development in Shinyalu.
He focused on education, rural infrastructure and access to basic services for his constituents. He lost his seat in the 2007 general election to Charles Lilechi Lugano of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), marking the end of his parliamentary career.
Leaders from across the political divide have paid tribute to Khamasi, describing him as a committed public servant who played a formative role in shaping politics in Shinyalu and the wider Kakamega region. Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa expressed deep sorrow following the death of Khamasi.
In a condolence message released on Tuesday, Kakamega Governor Barasa described the late Khamasi as a dedicated public servant whose contribution to the development of Shinyalu would be remembered by generations.
“I have received, with deep sorrow, the news of the passing of Hon. Daniel Khamasi, the former Member of Parliament for Shinyalu. He was a dedicated servant whose contribution to Shinyalu will be remembered,” the governor said.
Governor Barasa extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the late legislator, as well as to the people of Shinyalu, noting that the constituency and the wider Kakamega community had lost a committed leader.
“On behalf of the people and the Government of Kakamega County, I convey my deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and the people of Shinyalu during this difficult moment,” he added.
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris mourned the former MP, saying, “My condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of former Shinyalu MP Daniel Khamasi following his passing at the age of 79. May his legacy of service to the people of Shinyalu be remembered, and may his soul rest in peace.”
Source: The Star
