Whilst several prominent politicians who died in 2024 got Kenyans by surprise, their way of politicking will remain in memories of many.
From the halls of Parliament to grassroots movements, Kenya bid farewell to several of its political stalwarts.
Their passing not only marked the end of remarkable political careers but also left Kenyans reflecting on the legacies some of them built.
As the year ends, K24 Digital takes a look at some of the prominent politicians who breathed their last in 2024.
Suleiman Murunga
The former Kimilili constituency Member of Parliament (MP) breathed his last on October 30, 2024.
His death was confirmed by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula in a statement shared via his official X account on October 31, 2024.
Murunga served as Kimilili MP between 2013 and 2017.
He was then a member of the Ford Kenya led by Speaker Wetang’ula.
Murunga succeeded Eseli Simiyu who held the position between 2007 and 2013 after unseating Mukhisa Kituyi.
He will be remembered for his contributions to the community of Kimilili, his leadership as a Member of Parliament, and his dedication to the welfare of his constituents.
Murunga was also the proprietor of the famous Club Simmer in Nairobi that was known for rhumba music.
Peter Castro Aringo
The former Member of Parliament for Alego Usonga and Education Minister Peter Castro Aringo died on November 1, 2024, at the age of 83.
Aringo served as Alego Usonga MP for five terms, from 1974 to 1988 and again from 1997 to 2002.
His death was confirmed by Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi, who stated that the late minister had died at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi.
As Education Minister, he played a pivotal role in implementing the 8-4-4 education system, which transformed the country’s educational landscape from the previous 7-4-2-3 system.
He also championed the establishment of the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) to support the welfare of MPs and staff.
Speaker Wetang’ula mourned him as a remarkable former legislator, whose selfless efforts led to greater service delivery to the nation.
“The effectiveness of Parliament’s operations is greatly attributed to Hon. Peter Castro Aringo, who championed for the establishment of the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) to support the welfare of MPs and staff. Today, I mourn this remarkable former legislator, whose selfless efforts led to greater service delivery to the nation. Hon. Aringo will be remembered as a visionary leader in our country. As Minister for Education, he oversaw the operationalization and stability of the 8-4-4 education system and was also instrumental in promoting institutes of technology across the provinces,” Wetang’ula stated.
The effectiveness of Parliament’s operations is greatly attributed to Hon. Peter Castro Aringo, who championed for the establishment of the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) to support the welfare of MPs and staff.
— Rt.Hon.Dr.Moses Wetang'ula (@HonWetangula) November 2, 2024
Today, I mourn this remarkable former legislator, whose… pic.twitter.com/FUT9I1LsyQ
Zebedeo Opore
Zebedeo John Opore, the former Bonchari MP died on October 18, 2024.
Opore 77 was elected as Bonchari MP in 1997 on a Ford People ticket and also served as Assistant Minister in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
He lost his seat to Charles Onyancha in 2007. He reclaimed the seat in 2013 but his stint was short-lived as he lost it again to the late John Oroo Oyioka who successfully filed an election petition against him.
Beatrice Nkatha
The former Tharaka Nithi County Woman Representative died on October 18, 2024, after a long illness.
Nkatha, who served for two terms between 2013 and 2022, died at St Theresa’s Mission Hospital Kiirua in Meru County.
Nkatha, who hailed from Chuka-Igambang’ombe Sub County in Tharaka Nithi, had been sick for a while.
She was mourned by among others, Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, Tharaka MP Gitonga Murugara and Assembly Speaker John Mbabu.
Simeon Nyaudi Ogari
The former Bomachoge Chache MP died on September 10, 2024.
Ogari who is a Quantity Surveyor by profession was declared as Bomachoge MP in 2009 after trouncing area MP the late Joel Onyancha in a by-election.
Bomachoge constituency was later divided into two, Bomachoge Borabu and Bomachoge Chache where he was elected as the first MP.
He served as an MP on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.
John Umidha Orwenjo
Mzee John Umidha Orwenjo, until his demise, served as Alego-Usonga branch chairman of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.
The veteran politician succumbed on the night of Wednesday, September 11, 2024.
While mourning the fallen hero, the Orange party described him as a loyal and active member who spent most of his time strengthening ODM.
The former Siaya mayor and astute businessman was buried inside his private house known in Luo culture as duol.
The burial was held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at his home in Nyachwinya village in Siaya County.
Mark Wainaina
The nominated Murang’a Member of the County Assembly (MCA) died on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, after a brief illness.
He had been nominated to the county assembly by the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
Wainaina succumbed to a severe pulmonary disease that led to lung failure.
President William Ruto mourned his passing, describing Wainaina as a dedicated and promising leader.
Ezra Kihara
The Kiambu nominated MCA died in a road accident on Thika Road in Juja on Sunday, September 22, 2024.
Kihara was travelling from Nairobi to Thika town when the accident occurred.
According to police, the lawmaker’s car, a Subaru Forester, collided with a lorry from behind and caught fire. Kihara died on the spot.
His body was moved to the Montezuma Funeral Home.
Confirming the incident, Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi revealed that the accident happened around the Mang’u High School area.
Until his demise, he was a loyal member of the UDA party.
