Kibunguchi’s family raises questions over ex-Likuyani MP death

The family of former Likuyani MP Dr. Enoch Kibunguchi is calling for a thorough investigation into his sudden death.

The family says Kibunguchi had been in good health until about ten days ago, when he complained of severe stomach pain and was rushed to an Eldoret hospital, where he also operated a clinic.

According to the family, medical tests detected food poisoning and a blood infection, after which his condition steadily worsened. By last Friday, he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Kelly Wakubengo, an uncle to the deceased, said the food poisoning was unusual, noting that doctors were unable to neutralise the pain for a prolonged period.

“The doctors really tried, but the poisoning kept getting severe and came with other complications, including kidney failure,” he said.

Kelly added that the effects of the poisoning continued to worsen, yet in normal circumstances, food poisoning is usually neutralised within a few days.

He said the family suspects that some substance may have been introduced into Kibunguchi’s body through food or other means.

“We have tried to trace back his footsteps and we have information that we may not provide here, but we will give it to the police for investigations,” Kelly said.

He added that the family would request an extensive postmortem examination at the hospital where the body is being preserved.

“We will wait for the postmortem to be done, and the family will also give more details ahead of the burial,” he said.

Kelly spoke at the hospital, where the family addressed the media on the circumstances surrounding Kibunguchi’s illness.

Present were Dr. Kibunguchi’s brother, Johnstone Walubengo, his widow, Josephine, and DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa. Kibunguchi’s children were also in attendance.

Kelly said Dr. Kibunguchi had been healthy and had even announced plans to contest the Likuyani parliamentary seat, which he lost to incumbent MP Innocent Mugabe.

He added that the former legislator had recently joined the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) in preparation for the next elections.

Dr Kibunguchi’s widow Josephine (L) at the Eldoret hospital./MATHEWS NDANYI

Josephine said the family was deeply saddened by Kibunguchi’s death, describing him as a loving husband and a dedicated leader.

“I was always with him in politics, and he was a very humble man, both as a family man and as a leader,” she said.

Wamalwa described Kibunguchi’s death as tragic, noting that it came at a time when the people of Lugari were preparing to bury former MP Cyrus Jirongo.

“The people of Lugari are still mourning Jirongo, and it is painful that we have again lost Dr. Kibunguchi,” Wamalwa said.

He added that DAP-K and other leaders would stand with the family following the former MP’s death.

The family said it would announce burial arrangements after the postmortem is conducted on the body, which is being preserved at the Eldoret hospital mortuary