James Mukhongo Barasa, the Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Chwele Kabuchai Ward in Bungoma County, has passed away after a brave battle with cancer. The news of his death has sent shockwaves across the region, with many mourning the loss of a committed leader and servant of the people.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula led the tributes, describing Mukhongo as a determined man who fought his illness with courage and grace. “His voice spoke for the voiceless, his efforts uplifted the vulnerable, and his presence brought hope to countless homes,” Wetang’ula said.
Wetang’ula, who shared a close relationship with Mukhongo, recalled knowing him long before his political rise — when he was a young man full of dreams and deep love for his people. “I watched him rise, from being nominated as a councillor in 2002 to being elected MCA in 2013. He never once wavered in his service,” Wetang’ula said.
Mukhongo was not only a political leader but also a man of integrity and compassion. He served as the chairperson of the Finance Committee in the Bungoma County Assembly and was also the Ford Kenya Party chairman in Kabuchai. In both roles, he distinguished himself as a principled and selfless leader.
“He was more than just a leader; he was a brother, a son of the soil, and a friend to many,” Wetang’ula added.
The Speaker extended his condolences to Mukhongo’s family, friends, and constituents, stating that the late MCA’s legacy will live on through the lives he touched and the changes he championed.
“May James’ soul, having fought the good fight and kept the faith, find eternal peace in the presence of God. Farewell, my brother. Farewell, gallant son of Kabuchai,” Wetang’ula concluded.
Mukhongo’s death is a significant loss to the people of Bungoma and to the nation at large. He will be remembered as a leader who served with dedication, humility, and an unwavering commitment to community empowerment.
