Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has called for answers following a string of deaths among Kenyan Members of Parliament. His concerns come after the passing of Ol Kalou MP David Njuguna Kiaraho on 29 March 2026.
The Loss of David Kiaraho
Honourable Kiaraho passed away while undergoing treatment at Nairobi Hospital. He was a seasoned legislator who had served his community for over a decade. Voters first elected him to represent Ol Kalou in 2013, and he was currently serving his third term in office.
Sonko, a well-known philanthropist, expressed his shock on social media. He sent his condolences to the people of Ol Kalou for the loss of their representative. He also questioned why tragedy seems to strike the legislature so frequently.
“The rate at which Mps are dying is very alarming. By-elections all the time. Surely what is happening. Why Mps all the time?” Mike Sonko asked.
A Pattern of Grief
The former Governor’s comments highlight a difficult period for the Kenyan Parliament. Data shows that several serving and former legislators have died between 2023 and 2026. These frequent losses have led to a constant cycle of by-elections across various constituencies.
Just a month before Kiaraho’s death, the country lost Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno. He died in a helicopter crash in Nandi County on 28 February 2026.
In late 2025, tragedy struck in the capital. Nominated MP Joseph Hamisi lost his life following a road accident in the Karen area of Nairobi in December.
Timeline of Recent MP Deaths (2025–2026):
- March 2026: David Njuguna Kiaraho (Ol Kalou)
- February 2026: Johana Ng’eno (Emurua Dikirr)
- December 2025: Joseph Hamisi (Nominated)
- April 2025: Charles Ong’ondo Were (Kasipul)
- February 2025: Malulu Injendi (Malava)
Violent Incidents and Sudden Accidents
Some of these deaths have involved violence. In April 2025, Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were was shot dead in Nairobi. Earlier that year, Malava MP Malulu Injendi passed away at the Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi.
The safety of lawmakers has been a topic of discussion since the death of Banisa MP Kulow Maalim Hassan. Hassan died in March 2023 following a hit-and-run accident.
He was crossing Mombasa Road near Capital Centre when a speeding motorcycle, or boda boda, struck him. He received treatment at Aga Khan Hospital but died three days after the incident.
