Former EALA member Abubakar Zein dies in Nairobi

Former East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament Abubakar Zein Abubakar has died at a hospital in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi.

Abubakar, who headed the Presidential Secretariat of the Wiper Democratic Movement, died on Thursday.

The cause of his death has not been made public.People close to the family said he had recently undergone surgery and was recovering before his condition deteriorated.

Friends and supporters had planned a fundraising event on Saturday to help meet his medical bills, but learnt of his death before the appeal could take place.

Abubakar represented Kenya in the East African Legislative Assembly from 2012 to 2022, where he was known for advocating closer regional integration within the East African Community.

During his time in the assembly, he supported initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperation among member states.

One of his most widely discussed proposals was to rename Lake Victoria as Lake Jumuiya, arguing that the Swahili word for unity would better reflect the region’s shared identity.

In December 2024, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka appointed him to lead the party’s Presidential Secretariat and campaign team, a role that included helping shape the party’s long-term political strategy.

He remained active in debates on governance and public policy until his death.

Tributes have poured in from political leaders across Kenya.Orange Democratic Movement Communications Director Philip Etale described him as a good man in a social media post, adding: “A man of few words with a great smile.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka said Abubakar consistently chose principle over politics and country over career.

“Hon. Abubakar Zein was a profile in courage. Time and again, I watched him choose the difficult path over the comfortable one, principle over politics, country over career,” Musyoka said.

Funeral and burial arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in accordance with Islamic traditions.