This archive report was first published on 8 November 2019.
On November 8, 2019, the Kibra by-election brought to light the phenomenon of 'family politics' in Kenya, where an individual wins a seat previously held by their kin.
The seat was previously held by Ken Okoth, who passed away in July due to cancer. His brother, Imran Okoth, has now taken over the seat, winning the by-election with a landslide victory.
Imran's victory is not an isolated case. There are several politicians in Kenya who have taken over their spouses', parents', or siblings' mantle in the political arena after their deaths.
Politicians Who Took Over Power After the Death of Their Kin ¶
- Edith Nyenze, the current Kitui West MP, took over from her husband, Francis Nyenze, after he passed away in 2017 due to colon cancer. She won the by-election with a convincing 72.67% of the votes cast.
- Moses Kajwang, the Homa Bay Senator, took over from his brother Otieno Kajwang after he passed away on November 18, 2014, due to a heart attack. Moses was elected in a by-election on February 12, 2015.
- Mutula Kilonzo Jnr, the Makueni Senator, took over the seat from his father after he passed away in 2013. Mutula was elected in a by-election in July 2013 and has since been serving his second term since his election in August 2017.
- Imran Okoth, the new Kibra MP, took over the seat from his late brother Ken Okoth, who passed away in July due to cancer.
