Matungu Member of Parliament Justus Murunga Makokha died on Saturday night, November 14 after collapsing at home.
The Amani National Congress (ANC) lawmaker passed away while being administered first aid at the St. Mary’s Mission Hospital in Mumias, Kakamega County, Citizen TV announced.
Speaking with K24, the lawmaker’s cousin, Musa Ekaya stated that the MP was discharged from the Aga Khan Hospital, Kisumu, on Friday, November 13.
The 60-year-old first-time lawmaker had been admitted for one week and was receiving treatment for diabetes and Covid-19.
“When he arrived at his Matungu home, his diabetic condition deteriorated and was rushed to the St. Mary’s Hospital in Mumias, where he died today evening,” Ekaya confirmed.
Reports added that he had tested negative upon release.
"Hon Justus Murunga was a hardworking and selfless leader whom we worked together closely to develop Matungu. I am deeply saddened by his death which has robbed Kakamega County a focused leader whose contribution in the development of our region will be missed," the Chairman of the Council of Governors, Wycliffe Oparanya mourned.
"I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Matungu MP Hon. Justus Murunga. I pray that God will grant his family strength during this unfortunate time. My most sincere condolences to his family and the people of Matungu," ANC Party Leader Musalia Mudavadi added.
Several other politicians such as former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, Nominated Senator Millicent Omanga and Starehe MP Charles 'Jaguar' Kanyi also eulogised him.
The MP was a professional accountant having undertaken his studies at the Rift Valley College of Science and Technology and, later on, advanced his education at the Kenya Polytechnic.
He worked at the Mumias Sugar Company and other top firms in Kenya before being elected to Parliament in 2017.
He also served in the Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock and Committee on Parliamentary Broadcasting and Library in the National Assembly.
