Former Lugari Member of Parliament Enoch Kibunguchy has passed away while receiving treatment at Eldoret Hospital following a prolonged illness.
Kibunguchy, who was 72 years old, was a seasoned politician and public servant who represented both Lugari and Likuyani constituencies at different points in his political career.
He first entered Parliament in 2003, succeeding the late Cyrus Jirongo as the Lugari MP, a seat he held until 2007. He later returned to elective politics in 2013 as the Member of Parliament for Likuyani, serving two consecutive terms until 2022.
Political Journey Across Parties
Throughout his political life, Kibunguchy worked with several political parties, reflecting Kenya’s evolving political landscape. He was affiliated with FORD-Kenya, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), and most recently joined the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) earlier this year.
His political career was marked by a low-key but effective leadership style, earning him respect across party lines.
Service Beyond Politics
Beyond elective office, Kibunguchy was a distinguished medical professional and public administrator. He served as an Assistant Director of Medical Services at the Ministry of Health and held senior leadership roles at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital and Coast General Hospital.
His dual background in medicine and politics made him a strong advocate for public health, education, and social development.
Tributes Pour In
Confirming his death, current Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera described Kibunguchy as a mentor, friend, and principled leader.
“Throughout his years in public office, Kibunguchy was known for his quiet determination, humility, and integrity,” Nabwera said.
The legislator noted that one of Kibunguchy’s lasting legacies was his commitment to education, particularly in rural communities.
“He believed deeply that knowledge was the greatest equaliser, and he translated this belief into action by initiating and supporting the establishment of several schools from the ground up,” Nabwera added.
“The larger Lugari community has lost a towering yet gentle figure. I have lost a friend whose wisdom I treasured and whose presence I will dearly miss.”
Death Follows Loss of Cyrus Jirongo
Kibunguchy’s death comes just two weeks after the passing of Cyrus Jirongo, another former Lugari MP, who died in a grisly road accident along the Nairobi–Nakuru highway in the Karai area of Naivasha.
Jirongo died on December 13 at around 2am after his Mercedes vehicle collided with a 65-seater bus heading to Kisumu.
The former KANU heavyweight served as Lugari MP from 1997 to 2002 and later as Minister for Rural Development under President Daniel arap Moi between March and December 2002.
In 2022, Jirongo unsuccessfully contested the Kakamega gubernatorial seat under the United Democratic Party (UDP), losing to ODM’s Fernandes Barasa.
A Season of Mourning
The back-to-back deaths of two former Lugari MPs within weeks have plunged the constituency into mourning, marking the end of an era for leaders who shaped the region’s political and social landscape over the past three decades.