Former East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament and Head of the Wiper Party Presidential Secretariat and Campaign, Abubakar Zein Abubakar, has died.
Zein passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Avenue Hospital in Nairobi, with the cause of his death yet to be disclosed at the time of publication.
He served as a Member of the East African Legislative Assembly between 2012 and 2022, representing Kenya in the regional parliament and becoming a key figure in the Wiper Party, where he played a central role in presidential campaign coordination and party strategy.
News of his death sparked tributes from political leaders, human rights activists and colleagues, with many describing him as a humble and dedicated public servant.
ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale mourned Zein, describing him as a soft-spoken leader with a warm personality.
"Rest in peace, Mheshimiwa Abubakar Zein. A good man has rested. A man of few words with a great smile," Etale said.
Zein was appointed to the Wiper Party leadership by party leader Kalonzo Musyoka in December 2024 and remained active in discussions on governance, policy and public affairs until his death.
He served in the 3rd East African Legislative Assembly from 2012 to 2017 and was also recognised for his advocacy on human rights issues.
The former legislator's passing came shortly after the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) appealed for public support to help raise funds for his medical treatment.
The rights lobby revealed that Zein was in critical condition after undergoing surgery and launched a fundraising initiative dubbed "Solidarity for Zein" to assist with his medical expenses.
KHRC had also organised an afternoon of art, music and spoken word at Alliance Française Nairobi scheduled for Saturday, July 11, to raise funds for Zein and his family.
His death, announced only hours after the fundraising appeal, has cast sadness over the planned solidarity event, with messages of condolences continuing to pour in from across the political and human rights circles.