A United Democratic Alliance (UDA) aspirant in the upcoming Malava Constituency by-election and former Bungoma High School Principal, Enock Andanje, has died.
Andanje died on Friday, August 15, after collapsing at a widows’ empowerment forum in West Kabras Malava attended by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
His demise was confirmed by CS Mudavadi, who briefly halted the session to announce the politician’s death. “While we were seated here, I received news that one of us, Enock Andanje, has died,” he said.
Efforts to resuscitate him at the venue were unsuccessful, and he was rushed to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Mudsavadi said Andanje’s sudden demise is not only a personal loss to his family but also a blow to his community and the democratic process he sought to serve.
Dr. Andanje, the immediate former Principal of Bungoma High School, had recently taken early retirement to offer his leadership and vision to the people of Malava.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family and loved ones. May the Lord grant you strength, peace, and comfort during this difficult moment. We await the medical report to establish the actual cause of his death,” he said.
“Dr. Andanje was scheduled to join us today at the Widows’ Empowerment Forum in Kabras West, a testament to his commitment to uplifting lives. His absence will be deeply felt.”
Former Principal and UDA Malava By-Election Aspirant Enock Andanje Dies
According to Malava sub-county UDA secretary Harrison Tanga, Andanje developed complications upon arriving at the function.
He said Andanje’s feet became weak, and he was unable to leave his vehicle. He was then rushed to Oasis Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Andanje collapsed just near the entrance of the Bulupi primary school gate before making his way towards the podium where his fellow aspirants and party leaders were seated. He was trying to talk to his supporters through the sunroof but was overwhelmed and collapsed inside his car.
By the time of publishing, the cause of death was yet to be confirmed, with local authorities indicating that a post-mortem will be conducted to establish the cause.
UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan said Andanje was more than a political leader, dedicated servant of the people, a voice for the vulnerable, and a true believer in the empowerment of his community.
“UDA family mourns the untimely passing of our Malava Constituency aspirant, Mr Enock Andanje, who collapsed and died today while attending a Widows’ Empowerment Forum in Kakamega County. His passion for uplifting the lives of widows, orphans, and youth was evident in his tireless work on the ground,” he said.
“We have lost a brother, a friend, and a patriot whose vision for Malava was rooted in unity, dignity, and opportunity for all. His death leaves a deep void in our party and in the hearts of the people he served.”
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, supporters, and the people of Malava Constituency during this difficult time. May they find strength and comfort in knowing that his legacy of service will live on. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Seth Panyako who is also an aspirant mourned Andanje as “a man of great vision, compassion, and dedication to the service of humanity.”
The Malava by-election was called to fill the vacancy left after the death of former MP Malulu Injendi. Andanje was among those seeking the UDA ticket in primaries scheduled for the coming weeks.
Malulu Injendi was elected on the Amani National Congress (ANC) party ticket, defeating the then UDA candidate Seth Panyako, who garnered 20,133 votes against Injendi’s 22,891.
Also Read: IEBC Explains Why it Chose to Conduct By-Elections in November
Andanje took early retirement as principal of Bungoma High School to contest in the Malava by-election.
Malava By-Election Race
Among other high-profile hopefuls is the Secretary-General of the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN), Seth Panyako.
Academic bigwigs like Prof Philip Museve Kutima along Andanje were also in the mix.
The youths have also not been left behind, with names like Ryan Injendi, the former MP’s son, and Lilian Sospeter making a play for the youth vote.
Other names in the long list include Caleb Sunguti, Benjamin Nalwa, Jonah Barasa, Daniel Mwachi, and Wakili Lewis Shitanda.
According to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the by-election for the area is set for November 27, 2025.
Also Read: IEBC Reveals By-Elections Dates [Full List]
UDA announced that its party nominations for the upcoming by-election will be held on September 20, 2025.
In a notice issued by UDA National Elections Board Chairman Anthony Mwaura on Thursday, August 14, the party encouraged all interested aspirants to apply through its online portal.
“Notice is hereby given that the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party nominations shall be held on 20th September 2025.
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply for nomination by registering through the UDA party portal accessible at https://www.uda.ke,” the notice read.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
