Professor Bishop Josiah Onyancha, who contested the 2022 Kisii gubernatorial race, has died in a tragic road accident alongside his wife.
According to their son, Edwin Nyarangi, a journalist based in Nairobi, the couple was travelling to Nairobi on the evening of August 6, 2025, to attend a graduation.
Nyarangi, who works for The Standard Newspaper, confirmed the incident, saying that the two were involved in a head-on collision in Narok.
Professor Bishop Onyancha ran as an independent candidate.
Bishop Onyancha, beyond his political aspirations, was a respected academic and a notable figure in his community.
He holds a PhD in Library and Information Science from the University of Zululand, South Africa.
He served as a research professor at the Department of Information Science, University of South Africa (UNISA).
His academic career included a four-year stint as the Head of Department, and he was known for his extensive research in informetrics and knowledge management.
As a vocal community leader, Bishop Onyancha was also known for his strong stance on good governance and land issues.
During his 2022 campaign, he promised to demolish all structures built on grabbed public land, particularly along riparian areas in Kisii.
He often used public forums and media appearances to advocate for accountability and transparency, reflecting a deep commitment to his constituents and the rule of law.
