Grief and disbelief have engulfed Western Kenya after Eugene Wamalwa led family, friends and political allies in receiving the body of his brother, former Lugari and Likuyani MP Dr. Enoch Wamalwa Kibunguchy, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Soy— the very place where their shared political dream was sealed just weeks ago.
In an emotional tribute, DAP-Kenya party leader Eugene Wamalwa recalled that it was at the same church on November 2, 2025, that he officially received Dr. Kibunguchy into the party as they charted an ambitious 2027 political journey—a journey now cruelly cut short by death.
“Very sad to receive the body of my brother Dr. Enoch Wamalwa Kibunguchy… a journey we had planned together has been cut short by his sudden death,” Wamalwa said, invoking the poignant Luhya proverb “Engila sebolola okenda”—the road does not tell the traveller what lies ahead.
Dr. Kibunguchy’s death has reopened fresh wounds in Lugari and Likuyani, coming barely days after the passing of former Cabinet minister and Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo—a political titan Kibunguchy once succeeded in Parliament. The double loss has plunged the region into deep mourning.
ODM Communications Director Philip Etale captured the mood succinctly:
“Another tree has fallen. The larger Lugari has lost. We have been plunged into mourning again.”
Dr. Kibunguchy passed away on Monday night, December 22, 2025, at an Eldoret hospital after a period of illness.
Political leaders across the divide paid glowing tributes to a man widely described as humble, brilliant and approachable.
Former Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa mourned a colleague he served with in the 12th Parliament, while Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa eulogized him as a visionary leader who laid a strong foundation for Likuyani’s growth.
Former Tongaren MP Eseli Simiyu simply wrote:
“R.I.P Mheshimiwa Enock Kibunguchy.”
Who Was Dr. Enoch Wamalwa Kibunguchy?
Dr. Kibunguchy was no ordinary politician. A medical doctor by profession, he served as Assistant Director of Medical Services at Eldoret District Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, and within the Ministry of Health before venturing into elective politics.
He first entered Parliament in 2002, defeating Cyrus Jirongo to become Lugari MP (2003–2007). After the creation of new constituencies, he made a political comeback as Likuyani MP, serving two consecutive terms (2013–2017, 2017–2022).
Known for his technocratic approach and calm demeanor, Dr. Kibunguchy remained influential even outside Parliament—culminating in his recent return to frontline politics alongside Eugene Wamalwa under the DAP-Kenya banner.
As mourners gather and tributes continue to flow, one message stands out: Dr. Enoch Wamalwa Kibunguchy leaves behind a legacy of service, intellect, and quiet leadership.
In Eugene Wamalwa’s words, the loss is a stark reminder that while humans plan, God ultimately decides.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
