KAKAMEGA, Kenya — Daniel Liula Khamasi, the former Member of Parliament for Shinyalu Constituency in Kakamega County, has died while receiving treatment at Nairobi Hospital, his family and local leaders confirmed on Tuesday.
Details surrounding the cause of his death were not immediately made public, but reports indicated that the former legislator had been unwell and was undergoing medical care in the capital.
His passing marks the end of a political career that spanned a critical decade in Kenya’s multiparty and post-transition era.
Khamasi served as Shinyalu MP for two consecutive terms between 1997 and 2007.
He was first elected to Parliament in 1997 on a Ford-Kenya ticket, at a time when the party was a major force in opposition politics.
He later retained his seat in the 2002 General Election under the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC), which swept to power on a reformist platform that ended the long rule of former President Daniel arap Moi’s KANU party.
During his time in Parliament, Khamasi was known for his focus on grassroots development and engagement with constituents, particularly on education, infrastructure, and community welfare projects within Shinyalu.
He lost the seat in the 2007 General Election, marking the end of his tenure as an elected national leader.
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa led tributes from county leaders, describing Khamasi as a committed public servant whose leadership left a lasting impact on Shinyalu Constituency and the wider Kakamega region.
“On behalf of the people of Kakamega County, I convey my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the people of Shinyalu,” Governor Barasa said.
“He was a dedicated leader whose contribution to public service will be remembered. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Residents and local leaders in Shinyalu also remembered Khamasi as an accessible leader who maintained close ties with the community even after leaving elective politics.
He remained involved in local affairs and was frequently consulted on community matters by residents and opinion leaders.
Khamasi’s death comes barely weeks after the passing of another former Western Kenya legislator, Cyrus Jirongo, who represented Lugari Constituency in two separate terms.
Jirongo served as MP between 1997 and 2002 and later from 2007 to 2013.
Burial arrangements for Khamasi are yet to be formally announced, with the family expected to issue details in the coming days.
