Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi confirmed his death, pausing the event briefly to make the announcement. “While we were seated here, I received news that one of us, Enock Andanje, has died,” he announced.

News of Andanje’s passing was met with shock and disbelief among attendees, with many later taking to social media to mourn the former educator and politician.

The exact cause of his death is yet to be determined. He was among several aspirants eyeing the UDA party ticket and had been preparing for the upcoming primaries scheduled in the coming weeks.

A retired Chief Principal, Andanje had set his sights on representing Malava Constituency following the death of former MP Malulu Injendi in February this year.

Since declaring his bid, he had been a regular presence at public events in the constituency, including the widows’ empowerment forum presided over by Prime CS Mudavadi where he collapsed.

Meanwhile, UDA on Thursday, August 14 had called on interested candidates to register for nominations ahead of the upcoming by-elections. The ruling party similarly announced that the nominations will be held on September 20.

As previously announced by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the by-elections are scheduled for November 27, 2025, giving nominated candidates at least two months to campaign after the September 20 nominations.

Over 20 electoral areas will participate, including Baringo County, where a new senator will be elected following the death of Senator William Cheptumo on February 16.