Family demands probe into sudden death of former Lugari MP Enoch Kibunguchi

The family of former Lugari Member of Parliament Dr. Enoch Kibunguchi has demanded a comprehensive probe into the circumstances surrounding his sudden demise.

Relatives say Dr. Kibunguchi was in good health until roughly ten days before his death, when he developed acute stomach pains and was taken to a hospital in Eldoret, where he also ran a medical clinic.

According to the family, medical examinations revealed food poisoning and a blood infection. His condition, however, continued to deteriorate, leading to his admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) last Friday.

Speaking on behalf of the family, the deceased’s uncle, Kelly Wakubengo, said the nature of the suspected poisoning was unusual, noting that doctors struggled to manage the pain over an extended period.

“Medical teams made every effort, but the poisoning kept worsening and was accompanied by complications such as kidney failure,” he said.

Wakubengo added that the prolonged effects raised concern, as food poisoning is typically treated within a few days under normal circumstances.

He said the family believes an unknown substance may have been introduced into Dr. Kibunguchi’s body through food or other means.

“We have attempted to retrace his movements and gathered information which we are not ready to disclose publicly, but we will submit it to the police to aid investigations,” Wakubengo said.

The family, led by Dr. Kibunguchi’s widow, Josephine Kibunguchi, viewed his body at the Eldoret hospital mortuary, where it is currently preserved.

Wakubengo said the family would request an extensive postmortem examination before drawing conclusions.

“We will await the postmortem results, after which the family will share more details ahead of the burial,” he added.

The remarks were made at the hospital during a media briefing attended by Dr. Kibunguchi’s brother Johnstone Wakubengo, his widow Josephine, DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa, and the deceased’s children.

Wakubengo noted that Dr. Kibunguchi had recently declared his intention to contest the Likuyani parliamentary seat in the next elections, having previously lost to incumbent MP Innocent Mugabe.

He added that the former legislator had recently joined the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) as part of preparations for the polls.

Dr. Kibunguchi’s widow, Josephine, described her late husband as a devoted family man and a committed leader.

“I walked with him throughout his political journey. He was humble both at home and in public service,” she said.

DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa termed the death a major loss, saying it came as the Lugari community was still mourning former MP Cyrus Jirongo.

“The region is yet to come to terms with the loss of Jirongo, and now we are mourning Dr. Kibunguchi as well,” Wamalwa said.

He added that DAP-K and other leaders would continue to support the family during the mourning period.

The family said burial arrangements will be announced after the postmortem examination is conducted.