National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has announced the death of Parliamentary Service staffer, Dr. Philip Brightone Buchere, who passed away on Monday, November 24.
In a statement, he conveyed the news of the officer’s death, describing it as a heartbreaking moment for Parliament and the wider public service.
Wetang'ula disclosed that Buchere died while receiving treatment at the University Hospital Wurzburg in Germany.
"It is with deep sorrow and grief that I regret to announce the sudden, untimely and shocking demise of Dr Philip Brightone Buchere, who passed away this morning while undergoing treatment at the University Hospital Wurzburg in Germany," he said.
Wetang’ula went on to recount Buchere’s long and dedicated service within the Parliamentary Service, explaining his entry into the institution and the positions he held over the years.
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He recalled that Buchere began his journey in Parliament more than a decade ago, first taking up a senior role in curriculum development and training before being redeployed to the Senate.
"Dr. Buchere joined the Parliamentary Service on 1st November 2013 in the position of Director, Curriculum Development, Training and Research at the Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training (CPST). Dr. Buchere served at the CPST until 15th April 2021 when he was deployed to the Senate as the Head of the Senate Liaison Office," he added.
Wetang'ula then highlighted Buchere’s leadership roles, particularly his stewardship of the Parliamentary Service Commission Staff Pensions Scheme.
He further explained that Buchere played a pivotal part in the implementation of the Post Retirement Medical Scheme.
"Dr Buchere has served the Parliamentary Service in various capacities, key among them being the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Parliamentary Service Commission Staff Pensions Scheme from 30th September 2019 until his demise. In this capacity, he championed prudent investment of members' funds, leading to an unprecedented return of interest in the last financial year 2024/2025.
"Notably, Dr Buchere oversaw the establishment and implementation of the Post Retirement Medical scheme for staff, which came into effect on 1st July, 2022," he continued.
Wetang’ula also noted the critical disciplinary oversight role that Buchere carried out, noting that he ensured due process and proper adherence to rules.
"He was also the incumbent Chairman of the Parliamentary Service Commission Staff Disciplinary Committee where he has served with distinction, ensuring that the disciplinary process is transparent and structured, and follows the laid down rules, regulations and procedures," he further said.
Wetang'ula then described Buchere’s work ethic and personal attributes, restating that he was known for diligence, commitment and positivity throughout his service.
"Dr Buchere has been a most diligent, industrious, and committed officer. He has exhibited exceptional dedication and a remarkable work ethic. Throughout his service, he has consistently demonstrated hard work, resourcefulness, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His positive attitude and pleasant nature made him an invaluable member of every team he worked with," he stated.
Wetang’ula noted that the death represents a major loss not only to Parliament but also to the public service, adding that funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.
"His death is a devastating loss to the Parliamentary Service and the wider Public Service. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this very difficult time. Further details in relation to funeral and burial arrangements will be communicated in due course," he concluded.
This comes days after the extended family of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna announced the death of their kin.
In a statement on Thursday, November 20, Sifuna announced that his uncle, Roy Bulinga Sifuna, had passed away days ago.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party secretary general said they held a requiem mass in memory of his uncle at St. Francis Catholic Church in Kasarani.
"The Sifuna Family is in mourning yet again. We lost Uncle Roy Bulinya Sifuna. We gathered at St. Francis Catholic Church, Kasarani, for mass in his memory.
"Uncle Bulinya was eulogised as a brilliant engineer who was always polite, patient, and kind. Very few of us in the family can be described in those terms," he stated.
