Taita Taveta Nominated MCA Margaret Kawuki Dies as Leaders Pay Tribute

Taita Taveta County is mourning nominated Member of County Assembly Margaret Kawuki, whose reported death has prompted tributes from political leaders and colleagues.

Kawuki represented the Jubilee Party in the county assembly after being nominated following the 2022 General Election. She served on several assembly committees, including those responsible for tourism, trade and social welfare.

Details surrounding her death, including her age and the illness for which she was reportedly receiving treatment in Mombasa, had not been made public in the reports available at the time of writing.

A statement attributed to Jubilee Party official Moitalel Ole Kenta described Kawuki as a public servant who championed democracy, equality and women’s rights.

“Kawuki was more than a dedicated member of the Jubilee Party. She was a committed public servant, a champion of democracy, equality and the rights of women, and a courageous voice for those who often go unheard,” the statement said.

It added that her contribution to the people of Taita Taveta would be remembered.

A record of service in Taita Taveta

Kawuki’s public service extended beyond her work in the county assembly.

Records of the Taita Taveta County Education Fund list her among the board members, while county assembly documents show that she participated in committee work during the current assembly term.

Her committee responsibilities included tourism and matters touching on trade, employment and social welfare. Such committees form part of the assembly’s work in examining county programmes, considering policy and scrutinising how public responsibilities are carried out.

Her nomination gave her a place in the county’s legislative body, where nominated members contribute to representation and the assembly’s committee work.

County leaders express condolences

Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime was among the leaders reported to have mourned Kawuki.

In a condolence message attributed to him, Mwadime extended sympathy to her family, relatives, fellow MCAs and staff of the county assembly.

Voi MP Chome Abdi also reportedly paid tribute to Kawuki, describing her as a hardworking leader whose experience in business and public service had earned her respect.

The leaders’ messages focused on her commitment to serving residents and the loss felt by those who worked alongside her.

Questions remain over the circumstances of her death

While tributes have centred on Kawuki’s public service, details about the circumstances of her death remain limited.

The county assembly’s official announcement and confirmation of the arrangements for her burial would help establish further details for the public and her constituents.

For now, the focus remains on the reported loss of a nominated representative who took part in the work of Taita Taveta’s county legislature.

Editorial note: Confirm the death directly with the Taita Taveta County Assembly, Kawuki’s family or an authorised party representative before publication. The quotations and details of the death in the supplied copy could not all be independently verified against an official notice.

About the Author

Maureen Onyango is a journalist passionate about storytelling, life coaching and spiritual lessons. She studied at the Kenya Institute of Management and enjoys telling stories that inform, inspire and empower communities.