Former Bungoma High School principal and United Democratic Alliance (UDA) aspirant for the Malava Constituency seat, Enock Andanje, has died after collapsing during a public function in Bungoma County.
The incident happened on the morning of Friday, August 15, during a widows’ empowerment forum presided over by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
Collapsed on Arrival at Event
Witnesses say Andanje had just arrived at the venue and was alighting from his vehicle when he suddenly experienced health complications. Those nearby rushed to assist him and attempted resuscitation before he was taken to hospital.
Sadly, he was pronounced dead before arrival.
Confirming the news to shocked attendees, Mudavadi paused the proceedings to break the news.
“While we were seated here, I received news that one of us, Enock Andanje, has died,” Mudavadi said.
The announcement left the congregation in disbelief, with many taking to social media to mourn the respected educationist and politician.
From Principal to Politics
Andanje had recently taken early retirement as a Chief Principal and joined politics with the ambition of representing Malava Constituency.
His decision to run followed the death of former MP Malulu Injendi in February 2025. Since declaring his candidacy, he had been actively attending community events and grassroots meetings in preparation for the upcoming UDA party primaries.
He was considered one of the front-runners for the party ticket.
Cause of Death Not Yet Known
The exact cause of Andanje’s sudden death remains unknown. Friends and political colleagues have described him as a dedicated leader with a passion for education and community service.
His passing leaves a major gap in the UDA’s candidate lineup for the Malava Constituency race.
Upcoming By-Elections
Andanje’s death comes just a week after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) announced that all by-elections will be held on November 27, 2025.
In a gazette notice issued on Friday, August 8, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon listed wards, constituencies, and counties with vacant seats — including Malava Constituency.
Community Mourns a Dedicated Leader
Tributes have poured in from across the political divide and the education sector. Many have remembered Andanje as a mentor, a visionary leader, and a man deeply committed to uplifting his community.
His sudden death is a significant loss not only to Malava Constituency but also to the wider Bungoma and Kakamega regions, where his influence as an educator and community figure was strongly felt.