Lugari constituency mourns the passing of two of its most prominent sons, Khwa Shakhalaga Jirongo and Dr Enock Kibunguchy Wamalwa, who died just days apart this December.
Their deaths mark the end of a political rivalry that defined the region for decades.
According to journalist Jerome Ogolla, both leaders shared unique personal and educational traits that set them apart in Kenyan politics.
They attended Mang’u High School, one of the country’s most prestigious institutions, laying the foundation for their future leadership.
Beyond academics, both were known for having large families, with polygamy being a notable aspect of their personal lives—a reflection of their strong cultural roots.
Jirongo first won the Lugari parliamentary seat in 1997 on a KANU ticket, while Dr Kibunguchy claimed the same seat in 2002 under NARC, dethroning Jirongo.
Their political battles were intense: in one contest, Jirongo garnered 23,000 votes to Dr Kibunguchy’s 16,000, with the ODM candidate trailing far behind.
The creation of Likuyani from Lugari in 2013 allowed Dr Kibunguchy to continue his political journey there, while Jirongo sought higher office in Kakamega and later pursued the presidency in 2017.
Jirongo served two terms as Lugari MP, while Dr Kibunguchy held one term in Lugari and two in Likuyani.
Ogolla highlights that beyond their rivalry, their shared educational background, cultural values, and commitment to family life made them uniquely emblematic of western Kenya’s political elite.
Mulembe mourns its sons—leaders who combined ambition, tradition, and service, leaving enduring legacies in Lugari and Likuyani.