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Kenya marks 22 years since the death of Michael Kijana Wamalwa
23rd August, 2025 03:04 AM
Kenyans, on Saturday, August 23, 2025, are remembering the late Michael Kijana Wamalwa, the country’s 8th Vice President, on the 22nd anniversary of his passing.
Wamalwa, widely respected for his commitment to national unity and public service, left a lasting legacy in Kenyan politics.
Commemoration
According to the memorial announcement shared by Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, Kijana’s younger brother, the family will hold private prayers in his memory.
“Saturday, August 23, 2025, marks the 22nd Anniversary since the passing on of the 8th Vice President of the Republic of Kenya. Today, we remember and honour the life of someone who brought so much love, joy and laughter into our lives,” the announcement read.
In the memorial announcement, the family have described him as a selfless leader who always put his country first and fought for the unity and prosperity of all Kenyans, and was fondly remembered by his family and many others whose lives he had touched.
“He was a selfless Leader who always put his country first and fought for the unity and prosperity of all Kenyans. Fondly remembered by your loving family and many whose hearts you touched. The family will mark this day with friends and well-wishers in private Prayers in his remembrance.”
They have also expressed gratitude to everyone for the love and support they have always received over the years.
“We thank you all for the love and support you have always given us over the years,” the announcement read.
Kijana Wamalwa
Wamalwa passed on August 23, 2003 at the age of 58 while receiving treatment at the Royal Free Hospital in London.
Wamalwa launched his political debut in the 1974 parliamentary elections, running for the Kitale West Constituency at the age of 30 earning him the name ‘Kijana’.
The eloquent yet soft-spoken leader and other young leaders dubbed ‘Young Turks’ formed the Forum For Democracy Restoration (FORD) and continued to push for constitutional reforms.
He mobilised other members of the opposition to unite and kick out the Moi government.
The late president Mwai Kibaki, in December 2002 appointed Wamalwa as his Vice-President.
In December 2002, he was the late President Mwai Kibaki’s running mate, as expected, he was appointed Vice President when the 22-member cabinet was named.
