Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati has announced the death of his father, Mzee Patrick Wangamati.
In a statement released on Monday, May 18, Wangamati said his father died at 4 am while receiving treatment at John Hopkins Hospital in Bungoma.
He noted that Mzee Patrick had recently been admitted to several medical facilities, including Nairobi Hospital and Bungoma West Hospital, but did not disclose the illness that led to his death.
Patrick Wangamati was a notable figure in Kenyan public life.
He served as a nominated Member of Parliament on the Ford Kenya ticket between 2013 and 2017 and was also the chairperson of the Luhya Council of Elders.
His leadership in political and community circles earned him recognition as a respected elder and mentor within the Mulembe nation.
Political leaders, friends, family members and netizens have since shared messages of condolence.
One user, @Djarnoh_Ke, wrote, “Kila siku ukiamka amka na Asante shukuru ulicho nacho Wacha kujicompare,” while @korirwilmark posted, “Rest in peace, Wangamati.” Another user, @msmoh86, simply wrote, “RiP.”
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna expressed sadness over the death, describing Mzee Patrick as a man he deeply respected for his patience and guidance.
“I have received with great sadness news of the passing of Mzee Patrick Wangamati this morning. I had a lot of respect for this mzee bwana, he guided softly but firmly and with great patience,” Sifuna wrote, as he conveyed condolences to Wycliffe Wangamati, the Wangamati family and the wider Mulembe community.
Bumula MP Jack Wamboka also paid tribute, describing Wangamati as a former nominated MP, chairman of the Luhya Council of Elders, investor and influential elder whose humility and wisdom touched many lives.
In his statement, Wycliffe Wangamati asked for prayers and support for the family during the mourning period, adding that funeral and burial arrangements will be communicated later.