Former Shinyalu Member of Parliament Daniel Khamasi has died at the age of 79, marking the end of a long chapter of public service in Kakamega County.
Khamasi passed away on Tuesday morning at a Nairobi hospital after a long illness, the family confirmed.
He served as the Shinyalu legislator for two consecutive terms, first elected in 1997 and re-elected in 2002, before leaving Parliament following the 2007 General Election.
Tributes poured in following news of his death, with Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa describing the former lawmaker as a dedicated public servant whose contribution to the constituency would be remembered for years to come.
“I have received with deep sorrow the news of the passing of Hon. Daniel Khamasi, former MP for Shinyalu. He was a dedicated servant whose contribution to Shinyalu will be remembered. Heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Shinyalu. May his soul rest in peace,” Barasa said.
During his decade-long tenure in Parliament, Khamasi was known for championing issues affecting his constituents, particularly grassroots development and community welfare.
Colleagues and residents recall him as a legislator who maintained close ties with the electorate and consistently voiced local concerns at the national level.
Khamasi represented Shinyalu until the 2007 polls, when he lost the seat to Charles Lilechi Lugano of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Despite his electoral defeat, he remained a respected figure in local politics and community affairs, often consulted on matters of development and leadership.
Details of funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in due course.
