Former EALA member Abubakar Zein Abubakar dies at Nairobi hospital

Former East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) member Abubakar Zein Abubakar has died at a Nairobi hospital, ending a decade-long career in regional legislation, governance advocacy and public service.

Abubakar, who also served as the head of the Presidential Secretariat for the Wiper Democratic Movement, died on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

The cause of his death was not immediately disclosed, although people close to him said he had recently undergone surgery and was recuperating before his condition worsened.

His death came days after friends, relatives, political leaders and supporters had organised a fundraising initiative to help offset his medical expenses.

The fundraiser, which was scheduled for Saturday, July 11, was overtaken by news of his passing.

Abubakar served in EALA from 2012 to 2022, where he played an active role in advancing the East African Community’s integration agenda. During his tenure, he contributed to legislative discussions on regional cooperation, governance, trade and institutional reforms.

He was also recognised for his advocacy on constitutional governance, peace-building, human rights and civic participation.

Before joining the regional Parliament, Abubakar was involved in Kenya’s constitutional reform process as a commissioner of the People’s Commission of Kenya, popularly known as the Ufungamano Initiative, which contributed to national conversations on constitutional review.

He later served as Executive Director of Uraia Trust, where he led programmes aimed at promoting civic education, public participation and awareness of constitutional rights.

In December 2024, Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka appointed Abubakar to head the party’s Presidential Secretariat and campaign team, tasking him with shaping the party’s long-term political strategy.

Tributes poured in following news of his death, with leaders across the political divide remembering him as a principled public servant and advocate for regional unity.

Kalonzo described Abubakar as a person who consistently chose principle over convenience, while Orange Democratic Movement Director of Communications Philip Etale praised him as “a good man” known for his humility and dedication.

The family is expected to announce funeral and burial arrangements in line with Islamic traditions.