Former MPs who died in 2024

The year 2024 saw the highest number of former members of Parliament who died.

Most of those who died were retired and long-serving MPs who played a significant role in the growth of the country’s democracy.

Here are the MPs who passed away in 2024.

Simon Ogari, Former Bomachoge Chache MP

The former MP died on September 10 at his home in Karen after a long illness.

Ogari, who was a Quantity Surveyor by profession, was first elected as Bomachoge MP in 2009 after trouncing area MP the late Joel Onyancha in a by-election.

Bomachoge constituency was later divided into two, Bomachoge Borabu and Bomachoge Chache where he was elected as the first MP until 2017.

According to his long-serving Personal Assistant Edison Onduso, the former legislator died at his Karen home in Nairobi after a long illness.

Onduso described the former legislator as a humble gentleman who did things professionally.

“I’ve known Ogari since I was a young boy and I can confirm that he is a good person”.

Nominated Senator Essy Okenyuri said she learnt of Ogari’s death with profound grief and that Ogari touched hearts throughout his life.

“His legacy will remain with us for a long time to come, it has been my honour to have known him,” she said.

Zebedeo Opore- Former Bonchari MP

Residents of Bonchari Constituency were thrown into mourning after their former Member of Parliament Zebedeo Opore passed away on October 18.

Born on January 8, 1947,  Opore passed away at the age of 77.

The former Member of Parliament was first elected to represent the people of Bonchari in the National Assembly in 1997.

He also served as the Assistant Minister in the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.

The former MP held an Economics Degree from the University of Nairobi. He also obtained an MSc in Economics from the University of Bradford in the UK in 1982.

During the March 4 general election in 2013, Opore was declared the winner and was subsequently sworn in as Bonchari Constituency MP.

However, six months later Opore’s rival, John Oyioka, successfully petitioned his election and was declared the winner by the Kisii High Court.

But Oyioka’s victory was short-lived as he had also served for six months when the Court of Appeal overruled the judgment that sent him to Parliament.

Opore had a successful political career and vigorously supported the Jubilee Party which was the ruling political outfit under former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The former MP's death came three years after he lost his wife  Mama Angelina Opore.

 Suleiman Murunga -  Former Kimilili MP

Murunga died on October 31.

Murunga served as Kimilili MP between 2013 and 2017.

He was then a member of the Ford Kenya led by current National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula.

Murunga succeeded Eseli Simiyu who held the position between 2007 and 2013 after unseating Mukhisa Kituyi.

He was remembered for his contributions to the community of Kimilili, his leadership as a Member of Parliament, and his dedication to the welfare of his constituents.

His initiatives, advocacy, contributions to the community and dedication to public service will be fondly remembered by those he served.

Wetang'ula mourned Murunga as a dedicated leader.

"It is with profound sorrow and sadness that I express my condolences on the passing of Hon. Suleiman Murunga, former MP for Kimilili. His tenure from 2013 to 2017 was marked by dedication and unwavering commitment to the people he served," he said.

"As a member of Ford Kenya, he not only represented his constituents with integrity but also played a pivotal role as the party's Director of Elections, contributing significantly to the political landscape of our nation. Murunga was a champion for the needs of his community, advocating tirelessly for development and social justice.

Wetang'ula said Murunga's legacy will be remembered by many whose lives he touched through his service and leadership.

Peter Oloo Aringo- Former Alego Usonga MP

The former Kanu-era Cabinet Minister died on November 2.

Aringo’s death was confirmed by the family.

According to the wife of the deceased, Rosemary Aringo, the retired politician, died at the Aga Khan Hospital, Nairobi after suffering a cardiac arrest while receiving treatment.

Aringo, a prominent figure in Kenyan politics during the KANU era, represented the Alego Usonga constituency for 25 years.

He is best known for introducing the defunct 8-4-4 education system, which has had a lasting impact on the country’s educational landscape.

 It was during his tenure as Minister for Education that the 8-4-4 system was implemented.

Additionally, he oversaw the expansion of the Kenya Science Teachers’ College and the launch of the Kenya Technical Trainers’ College (KTTC) to address the needs of the emerging technical education system.

Aringo played a crucial role in presenting bills in Parliament that were enacted into law, transforming Moi, Maseno, and Egerton universities into public institutions.

He also championed a government policy to establish institutes of technology through fundraising initiatives across the eight provinces: Nairobi, Rift Valley, Western, Nyanza, Central, Eastern, North Eastern, and Coast.

Beyond his role in education, Aringo held various ministerial positions during his 15-year tenure under President Daniel Arap Moi, including Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Environment, Labour, Education, and finally, the Ministry of Employment. His significant contributions to the government earned him the confidence of President Moi.

Aringo was an alumnus of Mbaga Primary School and St Mary’s School, Yala, where he briefly taught after graduating with a diploma from Siriba College in Kakamega District (now Kakamega County).

He graduated from the University of Nairobi with a first-class bachelor’s degree in history, economics, and politics in 1969, later winning a Commonwealth scholarship to study for a master’s degree in international comparative education at Toronto University in Canada.

Beatrice Nkatha –ex-Tharaka Nithi Woman Representative

The late Nkatha, who served for two terms between 2013 and 2022, passed away on October 18 while receiving treatment at Kiirua Mission Hospital in Meru.

Nkatha’s death was announced by the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (Kewopa), which eulogised her as a visionary leader and a dedicated servant of the people.

“Nkatha’s unwavering commitment to championing women’s rights, empowering communities, and promoting gender equality left behind a lasting legacy that will inspire generations to come. Her leadership and compassion will be deeply missed,” Kewopa said in a statement."

The former legislator was eulogised as a leader who shunned controversy and positively impacted the communities she served.

Governor Muthomi Njuki said he had received the news with sadness, even as he remembered her impactful contributions to the development of the county.