Former EALA MP Abubakar Zein Abubakar Dies After Illness

Former East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament and Head of the Wiper Party Presidential Secretariat and Campaign, Abubakar Zein Abubakar, has passed away.

Abubakar died on Thursday, July 9, 2026, while receiving treatment at Avenue Hospital in Nairobi. By the time this report was published, his family and close associates had not revealed the exact cause of his death.

Abubakar was a respected political leader who served as Kenya’s representative in the East African Legislative Assembly for two consecutive terms between 2012 and 2022.

During his years in public service, he earned recognition for his dedication to regional integration, good governance, and the protection of human rights. Many colleagues described him as a calm, thoughtful leader who always put the interests of the people first.

Apart from his role in EALA, Abubakar held a senior position within the Wiper Democratic Movement. He served as the Head of the Wiper Party Presidential Secretariat and Campaign, playing a key role in the party’s leadership and political strategy.

In December 2024, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka appointed him to the party’s leadership team, where he continued to contribute to policy discussions and national governance matters until his final days.

Following news of his passing, leaders from across the political divide and members of the public began paying tribute to the former legislator.

Among the first to mourn him was ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale, who remembered Abubakar as a humble and kind-hearted leader.

“Rest in peace, Mheshimiwa Abubakar Zein. A good man has rested. A man of few words with a great smile,” Etale said.

Friends and colleagues have also described him as a dedicated public servant whose quiet leadership style earned him respect across different political parties.

Many remembered him for his willingness to listen, his commitment to justice, and his passion for serving the country and the East African region.

At the time this story was published, neither the Wiper Party nor its party leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, had released an official statement confirming or commenting on Abubakar’s death.

However, many Kenyans continued to express their condolences on social media, praising his years of service and expressing sympathy to his family.

The news of his death came only hours after the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) had issued a public appeal asking Kenyans to help raise funds for his medical treatment.

The commission disclosed that Abubakar had undergone surgery and was in critical condition while receiving treatment at Avenue Hospital.

According to the human rights organisation, the former EALA legislator required urgent financial support to help settle his growing medical expenses.

The fundraising campaign, dubbed “Solidarity for Zein,” sought to mobilise friends, supporters and well-wishers to stand with him and his family during the difficult period.

As part of the fundraising initiative, KHRC had organised a special solidarity event featuring art exhibitions, live music performances and spoken word presentations.

The event was scheduled to take place at Alliance Française Nairobi on Saturday, July 11, with proceeds expected to support his treatment and assist his family.

Sadly, Abubakar’s death was announced just hours after the fundraising appeal became public, leaving many supporters shocked and saddened.

His passing has cast a sombre mood over the planned solidarity event, with many now viewing it as an opportunity to celebrate his life, honour his legacy and support the family he leaves behind.

Abubakar Zein Abubakar will be remembered for his years of dedicated public service, his unwavering commitment to human rights, and his contribution to Kenya’s political landscape as well as regional affairs in East Africa.

His death marks the end of a distinguished career that touched many lives, and tributes are expected to continue pouring in from political leaders, civil society organisations, and citizens across the country.

Join WANTAM Official WhatsApp Channel to stay updated on time
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30