Former Cabinet Minister and long-serving Kilgoris Member of Parliament Gideon Sitelu Konchella has died after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest while receiving treatment in Nairobi hospital following a prolonged illness.
While confirming the passing of Konchellah, current Kilgoris MP Julius Sunkuli on his Fcebook page, described the deceased as both his predecessor and successor in Parliament.
“I have sadly learnt of the death of Honourable Gideon Konchela, former MP for Kilgoris constituency. The late Konchela was both my successor as well as my predecessor,” Sunkuli said.
“He served Kilgoris for 20 years, but the cruel hand of death has taken his life. May God rest him in eternal peace.”
Through his Facebook account, Basic Education Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa said Konchella had been unwell for several months before his death, noting that he had been receiving medical care since late 2025.
“This morning, we are very sad to announce the passing on of Honourable Gideon Konchella, the former MP for Kilgore’s constituency,” the PS said.
He added that the former legislator had been battling illness since November 2025 and was admitted at Nairobi Hospital on May 30, 2026 after developing an infection.
According to Ololtuaa, Konchella’s condition worsened on June 12, when he suffered a cardiac arrest and later passed away at around 4am on June 13. He also confirmed that the body of the former MP had been moved to Lee Funeral Home.
The PS conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and supporters, describing Konchella as a long-serving leader who contributed significantly to national politics.
He further said President William Ruto and Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu had both sent messages of sympathy to the family following news of his death.
“We urge the family, residents of Kilgoris, people of Narok and the entire country to remain strong in faith during this difficult moment,” Ololtuaa said, adding that Kenyans should find comfort in unity and prayer during the period of mourning.
He represented Kilgoris Constituency for multiple terms between 2003 and 2022 under different political parties, including PNU, URP, and Jubilee.
Konchella also served in government as Minister for Immigration and Registration of Persons during the administration of the late President Mwai Kibaki between 2006 and 2007.
During his tenure, he played a key role in the formulation of the Refugee Act of 2006, which replaced the colonial-era legal framework governing refugees and introduced a more structured system for their protection and registration in Kenya.
After nearly two decades in Parliament, Konchella stepped down from the Kilgoris seat ahead of the 2022 General Election, later contesting unsuccessfully for the Narok County Senate position.
