Former Bungoma governor Wycliffe Wangamati has announced the death of his father, Mzee Patrick Wangamati, who passed away on Monday, May 18, 2026, in the morning while undergoing treatment in a hospital.

In a statement shared via his official Facebook account, Wangamati said his father died at around 4:00 am while receiving medical care at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Bungoma.

Wangamati described his late father as a respected elder and former Member of Parliament (MP) whose leadership and influence touched many lives.

“It is with deep sorrow that I announce the passing of our beloved father, Mzee Patrick Wangamati, who rested this morning at 4:00 am,” he said.

“Mzee Wangamati, a former Member of Parliament and a respected elder, passed away while receiving treatment at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Bungoma.”

The former governor noted that the late Wangamati had, in recent months, been battling illness and had undergone treatment in several health facilities.

Long illness

According to the family statement, Mzee Wangamati had been in and out of the hospital in recent months, including admissions at Nairobi Hospital and Bungoma West Hospital, before his final admission at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Bungoma.

Wangamati appealed to friends, supporters, and Kenyans at large to keep the family in prayers as they come to terms with the loss.

“In the recent past, he had been in and out of the hospital, including Nairobi Hospital and Bungoma West Hospital. As we come to terms with this great loss, we humbly ask for prayers, comfort and support through this difficult period,” Wangamati stated.

Funeral arrangements to be announced

The family said details regarding funeral and burial arrangements will be communicated at a later date.

“Further details regarding funeral and burial arrangements will be communicated later. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” the statement added.

Messages of condolence have continued to pour in from political leaders, supporters, and residents of Bungoma following news of the elder’s passing.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has mourned Mzee Wangamati as a respected elder within the Bukusu community whose wisdom, counsel, and leadership guided many across generations.

“On my own behalf and that of my extended family, I convey my heartfelt condolences to former Bungoma Governor Hon. Wycliffe Wangamati and the entire Wangamati family following the passing of their patriarch, Mzee Hon. Patrick Wangamati,” Wetang’ula stated.

“Mzee Wangamati was more than a father to his family; he was a respected elder within the Bukusu community whose wisdom, counsel, and leadership guided many of us across generations.”

Mzee Wangamati was a respected businessman in Bungoma and also served as the chairperson of the Luhya Council of Elders.

He also served as a nominated MP under the Ford Kenya Party in the 11th parliament.