Nominated Member of Parliament Denar Joseph Hamisi has died at the age of 56.
The lawmaker passed away on Saturday 6 December 2025 at around 7.00am, Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula announced in an official statement. The cause of death was not disclosed.
Profound loss to Parliament
Wetang’ula described the death as a profound loss to Parliament and the nation, praising Hamisi for his humility and unwavering commitment to public service.
“His contributions have left an indelible mark both within the House and in the wider national community,” the Speaker said.
On behalf of all members and staff of the National Assembly, Wetang’ula conveyed heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and constituents of the late lawmaker.
Parliamentary roles and party affiliation
Hamisi was nominated to the National Assembly after the 2022 general election by the Amani National Congress, a key partner in the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition led by former vice president Musalia Mudavadi.
He served in the Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture as well as the Select Committee on National Cohesion and Equal Opportunities.
Funeral arrangements underway
The Speaker has appointed a team of MPs led by Deputy Majority Leader Owen Baya to work closely with the family in organising a befitting send-off.
A special sitting of the National Assembly is expected in the coming days to pay tribute to the fallen legislator.
Long career in public service
Born in 1969 in Kinango, Kwale County, Hamisi had a distinguished career in public administration before entering Parliament.
He attended Mombasa Baptist High School from 1984 to 1989. He later earned a Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management and a Master of International Business Administration from United States International University in 2000 and 2002 respectively, and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Nairobi in 2006.
His previous roles included director of the Coast Development Authority (2007–2010), commissioner at the former Electoral Commission of Kenya (2007–2008), board member of Kenya Airports Authority (2009–2012), and council member at both University of Nairobi (2013–2018) and Moi University (2021–2022).
Tributes pour in
Colleagues remembered him as a soft-spoken yet resolute advocate for youth empowerment and coastal region development.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the political divide, with many highlighting his cross-party respect and dedication to national unity.
Hamisi is survived by his wife and children. Funeral arrangements will be announced once the parliamentary team concludes consultations with the family.
