Former Likuyani Member of Parliament Enock Wamalwa Kibunguchy has passed away. He died on Monday night while receiving treatment at an Eldoret hospital. Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe confirmed the death, stating that Kibunguchy died at about 3 a.m. at his home in Eldoret. However, family members of the late politician have claimed that his death was suspicious, an assertion made outside Eldoret Hospital with former CS Eugene Wamalwa present to console them.

Kibunguchy, born on August 20, 1953, had a distinguished political career in Western Kenya. He first served as MP for Lugari between 2003 and 2007, succeeding the late Cyrus Jirongo. Following the subdivision of Lugari constituency, he became the founding Member of Parliament for Likuyani, serving two consecutive terms from 2013 to 2017 and from 2017 to 2022. In the 2022 General Election, he lost the Likuyani seat to Innocent Mugabe, who ran on an Orange Democratic Movement ticket, securing 17,534 votes against Kibunguchy’s 13,382.

Earlier this year, Kibunguchy had announced plans for a political comeback in 2027 under the Democratic Action Party of Kenya, having quit the Ford-Kenya party led by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.

Leaders across Western Kenya have mourned the late former MP, remembering him as a humble and visionary leader dedicated to public service. Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa described Dr. Kibunguchy as a dedicated servant whose leadership transformed Likuyani and the larger Lugari region, laying a strong foundation for development. Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera expressed deep sadness, describing Kibunguchy as a friend, elder, and mentor whose wisdom and counsel he greatly valued. Nabwera highlighted Kibunguchy's calm, warm, and deeply thoughtful nature, noting his passion for education and his belief that knowledge was the greatest equalizer. Kibunguchy translated this belief into action by initiating and supporting the establishment of several schools, from which thousands of learners continue to benefit. Western Kenya, Nabwera added, has lost a towering yet gentle leader, and he has lost a friend whose wisdom he will dearly miss.