Wednesday, 23 August 2023 marks 20 years since the death of Kenya’s 8th Vice president Kijana Michael Wamalwa.
His Family organized a memorial service at his Milimani Residence in Kitale to mark the 20th anniversary of his passing.
Furthermore, Trans Nzoia County Governor George Natembeya in memory of the great Kenyan leader renamed the Trans Nzoia County Teaching and Referral Hospital to the Wamalwa Kijana Memorial Teaching and Referral Hospital.
“With deep reverence, we gather today to bestow a well-deserved honor upon his memory. It is with great pride and humility that we rename Trans Nzoia County Teaching and Referral Hospital to the Michael Wamalwa Memorial Hospital. This hospital, now bearing his name, will serve as a lasting tribute to his legacy and a beacon of hope for the people of this region.” Natembeya wrote in a post.
“May the Michael Wamalwa Memorial Hospital continue to heal, serve, and uplift our community, just as our beloved hero did during his lifetime. Let us remember his wisdom and enduring spirit as we look to the future, ever inspired by his contributions to our great nation.” The governor added.
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Wamalwa’s Political Career
Wamalwa was a very philanthropic man who sacrificed his riches to assist the poor and needy by paying school fees and assisting in raising livelihoods.
As a result, he started the Touch Africa foundation with an aim of empowering youths, the poor, and the needy to realize their dreams.
He later on launched his political career at 30-years-old when he vied for a parliamentary seat in 1974. However, the community downplayed his quest for the seat saying he was too young.
As such, he gained the name ‘Kijana’ as members of his constituency said he was too young to become MP.
Nonetheless, Wamalwa later on became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Saboti Constituency in Trans-Nzoia.
Furthermore, Kijana Wamalwa and other young leaders dubbed ‘Young Turks’ formed Forum formed Democracy Restoration (FORD) to push for constitutional reforms.
In 1992, Wamalwa, who had relentlessly fought for multi-party democracy, joined Ford Kenya party and was elected vice-chairman serving under Jaramogi Oginga Odinga who was the chairman.
He took over the party leadership in 1994 after the death of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
Wamalwa mobilized members of the opposition during Daniel Arap Moi’s tenure to unite and kick him out.
Nonetheless, Kijana Wamalwa became vice president in 2002 serving under the late President Mwai Kibaki.
However, his tenures as vice president was short-lived as he died ionAugust 23, 2003, just six months after his appointment.
Wamalwa’s Sickness and Death
Michael Kijana Wamalwa did not enjoy his post as the 8th Vice President of Kenya.
He developed health complications and died at Royal Free Hospital in London on August 23, 2003.
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Admired by many for his eloquence of the queen’s language, the soft-spoken politician also left a widow Yvonne Nambia barely two months after their wedding.
Wamalwa’s Background and Education
Michel Wamalwa was born in 1944 at Sosio village in the outskirts of Bungoma Town.
His father William Wamalwa was an influential Member of Parliament who helped shaped his dream of becoming one of the toughest politicians in the country.
Moreover, Kijana Michael attended Chewoyet High School in West Pokot, where he topped his class and furthered his education at Strathmore University.
He also studied law at Cambridge University and acquired another degree from the London School of Economics.
