Former Alego Usonga MP Otieno Mak’Onyango has died while receiving treatment at Nairobi Hospital.
Mak’Onyango, who represented the Siaya County constituency from 1992 to 1997, died on Sunday night, October 25, 2026, according to current MP Samuel Atandi.
In a statement mourning the veteran politician, Atandi said the constituency had lost a leader whose legacy would remain part of its political history.
“We have this evening lost Otieno Mak’Onyango, the fourth Member of Parliament for Alego Usonga Constituency, who served from 1992 to 1997, while undergoing treatment at a Nairobi hospital,” Atandi said.
“Alego Usonga has lost a former leader whose name will remain part of the constituency’s political history. May God comfort his family, friends and the people of Alego Usonga during this difficult time,” he added.
Mak’Onyango had reportedly suffered a stroke on October 3, 2026, and was admitted to a hospital in Ngong, where he received treatment in the high dependency unit (HDU).
He was later transferred to Nairobi Hospital.
A fundraising appeal was launched following his admission to help his family meet the rising costs of his medical care.
Detention under Moi
Before entering politics, Mak’Onyango worked as an editor at the Standard Group.
He was also involved in Kenya’s second liberation struggle, a pro-democracy movement that challenged the one-party rule of former president Daniel arap Moi.
His life took a turn following the failed military coup of August 1982, when he was arrested and accused of involvement in the attempted overthrow of the government.
He spent years in detention without trial under Moi’s administration, alongside other political detainees, including former prime minister Raila Odinga.
In 2003, Mak’Onyango sued the government over his detention. The High Court awarded him Sh20 million in June 2012 for violations of his rights.
However, a report by The Standard in December 2023 said he was living in Kibiko, Kajiado County, amid ill health and financial difficulties.
The circumstances surrounding the payment of the compensation award remained unclear.
Leave a comment