ELDORET, Kenya – The family of former Likuyani MP Dr Enoch Kibunguchi has called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his sudden death, saying his illness progressed unusually fast and raised serious concerns.
Speaking at Eldoret Hospital on Tuesday, family members said Dr Kibunguchi had been in good health until about ten days ago, when he developed severe stomach pains and was rushed to hospital. He later died while undergoing treatment.
According to the family, medical tests indicated food poisoning and a blood infection, but his condition deteriorated rapidly despite intervention.
By last Friday, he had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where doctors also diagnosed kidney failure.
An uncle to the deceased, Kelly Wakubengo, said the severity and persistence of the suspected food poisoning was unusual.
“Doctors really tried, but the poisoning kept worsening and led to serious complications, including kidney failure,” Wakubengo said.
He added that, in normal circumstances, food poisoning symptoms are neutralised within a few days, but in Dr Kibunguchi’s case, the pain and complications intensified.
“The family suspects that some substance may have been introduced into his body through food or other means,” he said, adding that the family had information it would share with investigators.
“We have tried to retrace his steps. There are details we may not disclose now, but we will submit them to the police for investigations,” Wakubengo said.
The family said it would request an extensive postmortem examination to establish the exact cause of death. The body is currently preserved at Eldoret Hospital mortuary.
“We will wait for the postmortem, after which the family will provide further details, including burial arrangements,” Wakubengo said.
Dr Kibunguchi’s widow, Josephine, described him as a loving husband and a committed leader, saying his death had deeply shaken the family.
“I stood with him throughout his political journey. He was humble, caring and deeply committed both to his family and to public service,” she said.
Also present at the hospital were Dr Kibunguchi’s brother Johnstone Walubengo, his children, and Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa.
Wakubengo said the former legislator had been healthy and politically active, and had recently announced plans to contest the Likuyani parliamentary seat in the next elections.
He had also joined DAP-K as part of his political comeback.
Wamalwa described Kibunguchi’s death as tragic, noting that it came at a painful moment for the region.
“The people of Lugari are still mourning former MP Cyrus Jirongo, and it is devastating that we are again mourning Dr Kibunguchi,” Wamalwa said.
He added that DAP-K and other leaders would stand with the family during the mourning period.
The family said burial arrangements would be announced after the postmortem examination is completed.
