By Rita Akala
Former Likuyani Member of Parliament Dr. Enock Wamalwa Kibunguchy has died at 72 while undergoing treatment at an Eldoret hospital.
According to his family, Dr. Kibunguchy passed away at 11.30pm on Monday after being admitted to the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) since Thursday last week.
The family has raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding his death, saying they suspect possible foul play.
Speaking on Tuesday, the late MP’s nephew Kelly Walubengo claimed preliminary medical tests indicated that Dr. Kibunguchy may have suffered food poisoning.
Walubengo said the family will seek an independent postmortem and a thorough police investigation to establish the exact cause of death.
“We want a transparent investigation to help us understand what really happened,” he said.
Dr. Kibunguchy’s brother, Johnstone Walubengo, confirmed that the former legislator had been in critical condition in the ICU for several days before his death.
The current Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe, who described the death as a major loss to the constituency.
“It is confirmed that our former MP is dead. This is a sad moment and a big blow to our people. For now, we are mourning,” Mugabe said.
Former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, who spoke at Eldoret Hospital, revealed that Dr. Kibunguchy had recently expressed interest in making a political comeback in the 2027 General Election under the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), with plans to reclaim the Likuyani parliamentary seat.
Dr. Kibunguchy first entered national politics in 2003, when he succeeded Cyrus Jirongo as Member of Parliament for the then Lugari Constituency, serving until 2007.
Following the subdivision of the constituency, he became the founding MP for Likuyani, serving two consecutive terms from 2013 to 2022.
He served under the Ford–Kenya Party and was defeated in the 2022 General Election by ODM’s Innocent Mugabe, who garnered 17,534 votes against Kibunguchy’s 13,382.
Earlier this year, Dr. Kibunguchy defected from Ford–Kenya to DAP-K, formally declaring his intention to return to active politics in 2027.
Tributes have continued to pour in from leaders across the region.
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa described Dr. Kibunguchy as a respected leader, elder, and close friend.
“I extend my sincere condolences following the passing of Dr. Enock Kibunguchy, former MP for Likuyani and previously Lugari. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and the people of Likuyani and Lugari,” Barasa said.
Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera termed the late leader a personal friend and mentor, praising his humility, wisdom, and dedication to public service, particularly his passion for education.
Dr. Enock Wamalwa Kibunguchy was born on 20th August 1953.
