Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho passes away

Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho. [File, Standard]

Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho has passed away while undergoing treatment at Nairobi Hospital on Sunday morning.

The late Kiaraho was serving his third term as a Member of Parliament, having first been elected during the 2013 General Election. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula said Kiaraho served Parliament for 12 years with diligence and commitment, including as a member of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure and the Procedure and House Rules Committee.

“It is with profound sorrow that I notify Members of Parliament and the entire Parliamentary fraternity of the untimely demise of the Member for Ol Kalou, David Kiaraho, at around 1 am while undergoing treatment at Nairobi Hospital,” Wetangula said.

The 63-year-old legislator studied at Alliance High School before joining the University of Nairobi, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture. Before politics, he built a professional career as an architect and served as Principal Architect at Archgrid Systems. Kiaraho was re-elected for a third term on the Jubilee Party ticket in the 2022 General Election.

Wetangula announced the formation of a Funeral Preparation Committee to liaise with the family and coordinate a befitting send-off, led by Kinangop MP Kwenya Thuku and assisted by Nyandarua’s Faith Gitau and seven other members.

A close ally of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Kiaraho was among the few legislators in Mount Kenya who retained their seats amid the UDA surge during the last election. President William Ruto described him as a humble, steadfast and visionary leader, whose commitment to his constituents made him a pillar of his community. Ruto noted his outstanding contribution to education and his distinguished service in the National Assembly, adding that his “Kazi Kwanza, Siasa Baadaye” legacy will endure.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki remembered Kiaraho as a polite and respectful gentleman and a talented architect, while Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i praised his unwavering dedication to public service. Nyandarua Senator John Methu said Kiaraho had mentored him from student leadership days and remained a trusted friend whose counsel he valued.

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah described Kiaraho as a diligent and committed leader whose contributions will be long remembered.