The late James Barasa Mukhongo.
CHWELE KABUCHAI, Kenya .
(Aug. 4, 2025) —
Top leaders from Bungoma have led tributes to James Barasa Mukhongo, the long-serving Member of County Assembly for Chwele Kabuchai Ward on Ford Kenya ticket who died on Monday .
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, and Bungoma Senator David Wakoli expressed deep sorrow at the loss of a respected grassroots leader and party stalwart.
Speaker Wetang’ula announced the passing in a public message:
“It’s with great pain and unimaginable sadness and loss that I announce the passing on of my MCA Hon. James Barasa Mukhongo of Chwele Kabuchai Ward. Elected without a break for a record five terms, Barasa was Chairman Ford-Kenya Kabuchai. RIP Baba.”
Governor Lusaka lauded Mukhongo as a dependable public servant who remained committed to uplifting his community throughout his political career. He described Mukhongo as “a steadfast leader who always put his ward’s interests first.”
Senator Wakoli delivered a heartfelt tribute, calling Mukhongo a mentor and father figure in his political journey.
“Hon. Mukhongo was more than a colleague to me — he was a father figure, a big brother, and a mentor in my political journey. Even during my senatorial bid, he gave his full support,” Wakoli said. “We worked closely together, bound by a shared vision for the people of Bungoma and deep loyalty to the ideals of our party and to the leadership of Rt. Hon. Speaker Wetang’ula. His wisdom, humility, and unwavering dedication to service will be dearly missed. Go well, my brother.”
Mukhongo had reportedly shown signs of recovery after a brief illness, with many in his ward hopeful for his return to active leadership.
His sudden passing has left the community in shock.The late MCA hails from Baumba clan of the Bukusu sub tribe of western Kenya.
He was serving his fifth consecutive term as MCA and also chaired the Ford-Kenya party in Kabuchai Constituency.
In the Bungoma County Assembly, he led the Committee on Finance and Economic Planning, where he played a key oversight role.
Residents, youth groups, and community leaders mourned him as a servant leader, a unifier, and a voice for the voiceless.
Plans for his funeral and official mourning are expected to be announced by the family and the county government in the coming days.
By IP Reporter.
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