Former Shinyalu MP Daniel Liula Khamasi Dies at 79

KAKAMEGA – The political landscape of Kakamega County has been plunged into mourning following the death of former Shinyalu Member of Parliament Daniel Liula Khamasi, who passed away on Tuesday, December 30, at the age of 79.

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa announced the former legislator’s passing in a statement released Tuesday afternoon, confirming that Khamasi died while receiving treatment at a hospital. The governor did not disclose specific details regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.

A Decade of Dedicated Service

Khamasi represented the people of Shinyalu constituency in the National Assembly for a decade, serving from 1997 to 2007. His political career spanned a transformative period in Kenyan politics, marked by the transition from single-party rule to multiparty democracy.

The former lawmaker first captured the Shinyalu seat in the 1997 General Election on a FORD Kenya ticket, riding the wave of the opposition movement that challenged the long-standing KANU government. He successfully defended his position in 2002, this time under the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) banner that swept President Mwai Kibaki to power in a historic election.

His parliamentary tenure came to an end in 2007 when he was defeated by Charles Lugano Lilechi of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) during that year’s contentious general elections.

Legacy of Leadership

During his time in Parliament, Khamasi distinguished himself not only as a constituency representative but also as a temporary deputy speaker, a role he assumed periodically during National Assembly sessions. This position underscored the respect and trust his colleagues placed in his parliamentary judgment and leadership abilities.

Governor Barasa paid tribute to the fallen leader, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to public service and community development.

“Honourable Khamasi was a dedicated public servant whose contribution to the development of Shinyalu and Kakamega County will be remembered,” Governor Barasa stated in his condolence message.

“On behalf of the people of Kakamega County, I convey my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the people of Shinyalu. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” the governor added.

String of Political Losses

Khamasi’s death marks the second loss of an elected leader in Western Kenya within a span of just 48 hours. On Sunday, December 28, Porro Ward Member of the County Assembly Patrick Lerte succumbed while undergoing treatment at Maralal Referral Hospital.

Fred Lenapeer, clerk of the Samburu County Assembly, confirmed Lerte’s passing, noting that the MCA had fallen ill in the days preceding his death and was receiving medical care until he passed away on Sunday morning.

The back-to-back deaths of the two political figures have cast a somber mood over the region’s political circles, with leaders across the country expressing shock and extending their sympathies to the bereaved families.

Political Journey Through Kenya’s Democratic Evolution

Khamasi’s career in elective politics coincided with some of the most significant moments in Kenya’s democratic journey. His initial election in 1997 came during the first truly competitive multiparty elections under President Daniel arap Moi’s government, while his re-election in 2002 was part of the historic NARC coalition victory that ended KANU’s 39-year grip on power.

His loss in 2007 reflected the political realignments that characterized that election cycle, which saw the ODM wave sweep across much of Western Kenya and other opposition strongholds.

Funeral arrangements for the former legislator are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days, with leaders from across the political divide expected to attend to pay their final respects to a man who dedicated a significant portion of his life to public service.

As Shinyalu constituency and Kakamega County at large come to terms with this loss, Khamasi’s decade of service in Parliament stands as a testament to his commitment to representing his constituents during a pivotal era in Kenya’s political evolution.