Former Lugari MP Enoch Kibunguchy Dies After Prolonged Illness
FORMER Lugari and Likuyani Member of Parliament Dr Enoch Wamalwa Kibunguchy has tragically passed away at the age of 72, plunging the western Kenya region into fresh mourning.
The veteran politician, who was also a respected medical doctor, died on Monday night, December 22, 2025, while receiving treatment at a hospital in Eldoret following a prolonged battle with illness.
His death comes as a devastating blow to the people of Lugari and Likuyani, coming less than two weeks after the shocking road accident death of his predecessor Cyrus Jirongo on December 13.
Current Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera led tributes, describing Kibunguchy as a “towering yet gentle figure” whose wisdom and humility left an indelible mark on the community.
“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 said.
“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.”
Kibunguchy, born on August 20, 1953, enjoyed a distinguished career both in medicine and politics. He served as Assistant Director of Medical Services at the Ministry of Health, and held senior positions at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital and Coast General Hospital.
Entering politics, he succeeded the late Cyrus Jirongo as Lugari MP in 2003, serving until 2007 under the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) banner. Following the subdivision of the constituency, he became the founding MP for Likuyani, representing the area for two consecutive terms from 2013 to 2022, initially with FORD-Kenya and later aligning with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
In his later years, the 72-year-old switched to the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) earlier this year, and had signalled his intention to contest the Likuyani seat again in the 2027 elections.
Leaders across the political divide have remembered him as a thoughtful legislator committed to integrity, education, and healthcare development in his constituencies. He was credited with spearheading school construction, road improvements, and support programmes for vulnerable families.
The double tragedy has deepened sorrow in the region. Jirongo, the flamboyant former Lugari MP from 1997 to 2002 and one-time Minister for Rural Development under President Daniel Moi, died aged 64 in a grisly head-on collision on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway at Karai, Naivasha.
The ex-KANU heavyweight was driving his Mercedes-Benz alone around 2-3am on December 13 when it collided with a 65-seater bus heading towards Kisumu. He was pronounced dead at the scene, with autopsy findings later confirming death from severe blunt force trauma to the chest, abdomen, and spine.
Jirongo, who unsuccessfully ran for Kakamega Governor in 2022 under the United Democratic Party (UDP), was due to be buried on December 30 in Lumakanda, Lugari.
As tributes continue to pour in for Dr Kibunguchy, with family expected to issue a full statement, the people of Lugari reflect on the loss of two towering figures in such quick succession – a painful chapter for a community that has long looked to them for leadership.
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Former Lugari MP Enoch Kibunguchy Dies After Prolonged Illness