5 Politicians Who Stepped Into Power After Family Tragedies

Editor's Review

In Kenya, a number of politicians have found themselves propelled into leadership not by long-term political ambition, but by tragedy.

In Kenya, a number of politicians have found themselves propelled into leadership not by long-term political ambition but by tragedy.

Following the deaths of close family members who held public office, these individuals stepped forward; not just to grieve, but to lead.

Here are five politicians who rose to power through by-elections sparked by personal loss; and what became of their political journeys in the years that followed.

Mutula Kilonzo Jr.

Mutula Kilonzo Jr. entered politics in 2013 following the death of his father, Mutula Kilonzo Sr., who was the first Senator for Makueni County. The senior Kilonzo, a prominent lawyer and former Cabinet Minister, was found dead at his Maanzoni home on 27 April 2013.

Following his father's death, Mutula Jr., then a practicing lawyer, was nominated by the Wiper Democratic Movement to run in the resulting by-election. He was elected Senator in July 2013. He retained the seat in the 2017 general election.

In the 2022 general election, Mutula Kilonzo Jr. successfully contested for the position of Governor of Makueni County under the Wiper Party. He won the election, succeeding Prof. Kivutha Kibwana, and currently serves as Governor.

Edith Nyenze

Edith Nyenze entered politics after the death of her husband, Francis Nyenze, who was the Member of Parliament for Kitui West. He passed away on 6 December 2017 after a prolonged illness. Francis Nyenze had served multiple terms as MP and held the position of Minority Leader in the 11th Parliament.

Following his passing, Edith Nyenze was nominated by the Wiper Democratic Movement as its candidate for the by-election. She contested the seat in March 2018 and won by a large margin, receiving more than 72% of the votes cast.

She defended her seat in the August 2022 general election, once again under the Wiper Party.

Imran Okoth

Imran Okoth rose to political office after the death of his elder brother, Ken Okoth, who was the MP for Kibra. Ken died on 26 July 2019 after battling colorectal cancer. Known for his focus on education, health, and infrastructure in Kibra, his death was widely mourned.

In the by-election held on 7 November 2019, Imran Okoth contested on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket. He won the election with 24,636 votes, defeating Jubilee’s McDonald Mariga and other candidates. Imran was sworn in shortly thereafter as the new MP for Kibra.

In the 2022 general election, Imran Okoth contested the seat as an independent candidate. He lost the election to ODM’s Peter Orero, who garnered 33,008 votes against Imran’s 18,908.

Moses Otieno Kajwang’

Moses Otieno Kajwang’ became the Senator for Homa Bay following the death of his elder brother, Gerald Otieno Kajwang’. The late Kajwang’, a long-serving politician and former Minister for Immigration, died on 18 November 2014.

In the February 2015 by-election, Moses Kajwang was nominated by the ODM party to vie for the senatorial seat. He won the contest and was elected as the new Senator for Homa Bay County.

He was re-elected in both the 2017 and 2022 general elections. In his time in office, Moses Kajwang’s has served in various Senate committees, including as Chairperson of the Senate Public Accounts and Investments Committee.

Abdulkadir Mohamed Haji

Abdulkadir Mohamed Haji entered the Senate following the death of his father, Senator Yusuf Haji, who was serving as the Senator for Garissa County. Yusuf Haji died on 15 February 2021 at the age of 80. He had a long career in public service, including roles as Minister of Defence and Chairperson of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) taskforce.