Kenyan lawmaker Kulow Maalim Hassan dies after motorbike accident

NAIROBI, Kenya - A legislator from Mandera County succumbed to injuries sustained from a motorcycle accident in the capital Nairobi, becoming the first parliamentarian to die in the 13th parliament of the Republic of Kenya after the August 2022 elections, thus paving the way to a by-election.

Kulow Maalim Hassan died in Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi on Tuesday night after being admitted for a couple of days according to his relatives. The motorbike in question has not yet been seized by police officers in the busy capital according to officers privy to the accident. His relative, Mr. Mohamud Haji, said Hassan was hit on Saturday by a speeding rider at Capital Centre.

He was taken to Reliance Hospital in South C and later transferred to the Aga Khan hospital for advanced treatment before his unfortunate demise.

''Condolences to the people of Banissa Constituency for losing your MP, Kulow Maalim Hassan. I extend my condolences to my family, colleagues, and friends. We have lost a dedicated public servant and a passionate advocate for the people and interests of Mandera County as a whole,'' said President Ruto.

Mr. Maalim was first elected in 2017 and recaptured his seat in the 2022 elections. According to official reports, about one week ago, he attended the launch of a task force report on the health situation in Mandera County, one of the marginalized areas in the republic of Kenya where he was passionate about alleviating people from poverty.

In 2017, he was elected to Economic Freedom Party which was formed by professionals in Mandera, and last year, he switched off to United Democratic Movement [UDM] which is associated with former Mandera Governor Captain Ali Roba, who is now the county senator.

He is survived by three wives and 16 children and will be buried in Nairobi according to Islamic rites within the capital Nairobi.

Several leaders led by Defense Minister Aden Duale are currently organizing his funeral which will be attended by high-ranking government officials.

Those who interacted with him say he was passionate about technical education and would be seen pushing for equipping of technical colleges in his constituency. "He believed in technical skills and I could often see him moving in corridors to push for this agenda," nominated Senator Esther Okenyuri said.

GAROWE ONLINE