Former Bungoma High School principal and United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party aspirant for the Malava Constituency seat, Enock Andanje, has passed away.
Andanje passed away on Friday morning in Kakamega County after he reportedly collapsed while attending a widows’ empowerment forum presided over by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
Reports indicate that Andanje succumbed while being rushed to the hospital after efforts to resuscitate him proved futile.
Witnesses further revealed that the aspirant had just arrived at the event when he developed complications while alighting from his vehicle, prompting immediate intervention from those who were around him.
His demise was confirmed by the Prime CS, 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.
Andanje’s death immediately sparked strong reactions from the congregants, who received the news in disbelief, with some taking to social media to mourn the teacher and politician.
The exact cause of his death has yet to be established.
He was one of several people hoping to secure the party ticket and was preparing for the upcoming UDA party primaries, which are set to take place in the coming weeks.
Having taken early retirement as a Chief Principal, Andanje was seeking to represent the Malava constituency following the death of former lawmaker Malulu Injendi in February this year.
Since announcing his ambitious intention to vie for the seat, Andanje has frequently appeared in public functions within the constituency, including the latest event attended by the Prime CS Mudavadi.
Meanwhile, Andanje's death comes just a week after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) announced that all by-elections would be held on November 27 this year.
In a gazette notice dated Friday, August 8, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon published a list of wards, constituencies and counties with vacant seats.
