Shock and mourning gripped Malava Constituency on Friday after Dr. Enock Andanje, a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) aspirant for the upcoming parliamentary by-election and former principal of Bungoma High School, collapsed and died at a widows’ empowerment forum presided over by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
According to eyewitnesses, Dr. Andanje collapsed shortly after arriving at the event. Efforts to resuscitate him failed, and he was rushed to Oasis Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival. The cause of death has not yet been established, though a post-mortem examination has been ordered.
The tragic incident halted the forum as Prime CS Mudavadi broke the news to the shocked audience. Security officers and medics were seen cordoning off the venue as family members and supporters gathered in disbelief.
Dr. Andanje had recently retired from the education sector to venture into politics. He was among several hopefuls seeking to succeed the late Malulu Injendi in the Malava Constituency seat in the November 27, 2025, by-election. His candidacy within UDA had gained traction, bolstered by endorsements from the influential Abatovo clan of the Kabras sub-tribe.
The UDA party nominations, scheduled for September 20, 2025, were expected to confirm the party flagbearer ahead of the poll. His sudden passing now leaves the ruling party facing a reshuffle in its nomination plans.
UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar Hassan described Andanje as “a man of vision and service,” adding that his death was “a personal and collective loss to the UDA family.” Fellow aspirant Seth Panyako also suspended his campaigns in mourning, saying Andanje “embodied compassion, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to Malava’s progress.”
Community members took to social media to express grief, describing Andanje as a principled leader who had dedicated his life to education and development.
Authorities have launched preliminary investigations into the circumstances surrounding his collapse. The post-mortem report is expected to shed light on what caused his sudden death. Political observers note that the tragedy may alter the dynamics of the Malava by-election, with UDA now needing to reorganize its candidate selection process.
Dr. Andanje’s body has been moved to a Kakamega morgue as arrangements for his burial and a formal party tribute get underway.
