Former Alego Usonga Member of Parliament Otieno Mak’Onyango has died while receiving treatment at Nairobi Hospital, bringing to an end a public career that spanned journalism, politics and Kenya’s struggle for multiparty democracy.

His death was announced on Sunday evening, October 25, 2026, by current Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi, who mourned the former legislator as a leader whose contribution would remain part of the constituency’s history. <Cite refs={[“turn405018view0″,”turn405018search8”]}/>

Mak’Onyango represented Alego Usonga Constituency in Siaya County from 1992 to 1997 after winning the parliamentary seat on a Ford-Kenya ticket. Before joining politics, he worked as a journalist at the East African Standard, now known as The Standard newspaper. <Cite refs={[“turn405018search7″,”turn405018search11”]}/>

His life was marked by a difficult chapter during the administration of former President Daniel arap Moi. In August 1982, following the failed coup attempt, Mak’Onyango was arrested and detained for approximately four years without trial. He later sued the government over his detention and the violation of his rights.

In June 2012, the High Court awarded him KSh20 million in damages over the violations. However, subsequent reports indicated that he faced difficulties accessing the compensation. <Cite refs={[“turn405018search7″,”turn405018search8”]}/>

Reports published before his death indicated that Mak’Onyango had suffered a stroke in early October 2026 and was initially treated at a hospital in Ngong before being transferred to Nairobi Hospital. A fundraising appeal was also launched to help meet his medical expenses. <Cite refs={[“turn405018view0″,”turn405018search9”]}/>

His passing marks the loss of a former legislator whose life and career were shaped by journalism, political service and a prolonged fight for justice over his detention.