8 Prominent Politicians Who Have Died in Office Since 2017

Since the last general election in 2017, several prominent politicians have passed on while in active service, with the most recent death being Kabuchai MP James Lusweti which occurred on December 4, 2020.

The Ford Kenya loyalist was reported to have been in and out of the hospital since May 2020 before his demise at the Nairobi Hospital on Friday morning.

The legislator was mourned by various leaders including Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula and ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi.

Before Lusweti, two other MPs died this year including Matungu MP Justus Murunga Makokha.

Murunga passed away on November 14, 2020, while being administered first aid at the St. Mary’s Mission Hospital in Mumias, Kakamega County where he had been rushed after collapsing at his home.

The 60-year-old first-time lawmaker had been admitted for one week and was receiving treatment for diabetes and Covid-19.

Kakamega Governor and Chairman of the Council of Governors, Wycliffe Oparanya, mourned Murunga as a hardworking and selfless leader, focused on the development of his constituents.

On March 9, 2020, 42-year-old Msambweni MP Suleiman Dori, died at the Aga Khan Hospital in Mombasa after a week at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Dori, who was elected as the Msambweni MP in 2013, succumbed to cancer.

Dori had made headlines in 2019 alongside Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa after the two risked expulsion from ODM for allegedly supporting DP Ruto despite securing seats on an ODM ticket.

He, however, survived the expulsion after allegedly writing a letter that was discussed by the National Governing Council.

Kibra MP Ken Okoth, passed on aged 41 at the Nairobi Hospital in 2019, having being diagnosed with stage four colorectal cancer in February 2019.

He was taken to the hospital after his condition deteriorated. He had suffered multiple organ failure.

Close sources revealed that he had specifically stated that he did not want to be on life support.

Bomet Governor Joyce Laboso died in July 2019 at the age of 58 after spending two weeks at Nairobi Hospital’s ICU unit.

She was the second governor of Bomet County after beating Isaac Ruto in the 2017 general election.

Kwale Senator Juma Boy

The late Kwale Senator Boy Juma Boy passed away on February 12, 2017, while receiving treatment at the Aga Khan hospital.

Juma was suffering from High Blood Pressure and was in ICU for one week, according to family sources..

The deceased senator first joined Parliament as Matuga MP in 1988 when he succeeded his father Juma Boy, and later contested the senate seat in the 2013 elections.

He retained his parliamentary seat in the 1988 and 1992 elections and also once served as the Kanu Chief Whip.

Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachugua died at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London while undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer in February 2017.

His first term as governor had its fair share of disputes with MCAs threatening to impeach him on several occasions.

Governor Wahome Gakuru

Months later, his successor, Governor Wahome Gakuru passed on after being involved in a road accident in Kabati along the Thika-Kenol Highway.

Gakuru succumbed in November 2017 while undergoing treatment at the Thika Level 5 Hospital.

Gakuru died as medics prepared to airlift him to Nairobi for specialised care. His driver and bodyguard were also seriously injured in the accident.

Veteran politician GG Kariuki

GG Kariuki served as a Laikipia County Senator from 2013 until his death on 30 June 2017.

The veteran politician died shortly after 11 pm at Nairobi Hospital aged 79.

Kariuki, who was the oldest member in the 11th Parliament, joined politics in 1959 and was elected to the National Assembly in 1963.

The Senator formerly served as Laikipia West MP and a Cabinet Minister in President Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel Moi’s administrations.

Members of the County Assembly

Nakuru London MCA Sammy Mbugua succumbed on November 18 at the Nakuru War Memorial Hospital.

The MCA was checked in at the hospital where he was diagnosed with liver and pancreas failure.

His death came weeks after his Hells Gate counterpart John Njuguna passed.

On October 10, Huruma Member of County Assembly (MCA) Peter Chomba passed on at Eldoret Hospital, after he developed breathing difficulties.

Sourced from Kenyans.co.ke