Kwanza Constituency Member of Parliament Ferdinand Wanyonyi is in stable condition and responding well to specialised treatment in India, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula confirmed following a personal visit to the lawmaker.
Wetang’ula travelled to KIMS Health Care Management Limited in Kerala, India, on January 13, 2025, to check on Wanyonyi, who has been absent from parliamentary duties for much of the year seeking medical care.
The MP is under the care of a multidisciplinary team of Indian doctors specialising in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Speaker Wetang’ula expressed optimism after his visit.
“I visited Hon. Wanyonyi and was encouraged by the progress he has made. I remain optimistic about his recovery,” Wetang’ula stated, thanking the hospital staff for their professionalism and dedication.
The Speaker’s visit also served a broader diplomatic and health sector purpose. He noted that India, particularly Kerala, has become a leading destination for Kenyans seeking high-quality, technologically advanced, yet relatively affordable specialised medical care—a model Kenya hopes to learn from.
“The visit provided insights for potential collaboration between Kenyan and Indian health institutions,” Wetang’ula explained. He announced plans to engage parliamentary committees upon his return to Nairobi to explore partnerships in specialist training, expertise transfer, joint research, and establishing structured international patient referral systems to bolster Kenya’s healthcare capacity.
Dismissing Rumours, Confirming Support
The visit put to rest persistent and painful rumours regarding the MP’s health. Last December, Speaker Wetang’ula was forced to address the National Assembly to categorically deny malicious online reports claiming Wanyonyi had passed away, calling the claims “insensitive.”
He clarified at the time that the legislator had initially been admitted to a hospital in Nairobi for about a month before being referred to India for more specialised treatment.
Throughout his medical journey, Wanyonyi has been supported by his family. “The speaker said Wanyonyi has been accompanied by his wife and daughter throughout his treatment, who have been providing constant support and updates on his health,” a parliamentary communication confirmed.
A Seasoned Public Servant
Ferdinand Wanyonyi, currently serving his third consecutive term as MP for Kwanza Constituency, first elected in 2013, brings decades of experience in public service and the private sector to his role.
Before his political career, he held significant management positions, including Managing Director of the Lake Basin Development Authority (2005–2007), Deputy Managing Director at the Tana & Athi River Development Authority (2003–2005), and roles in the private sector with firms like Kodak Ltd and Bayer (EA) Ltd.
As he continues his recovery in Kerala, colleagues and constituents alike await positive news of his return, while parliamentary leaders look to translate this personal health mission into broader gains for Kenya’s medical system.
