Mak’Onyango, a veteran journalist before venturing into politics, represented Alego Usonga Constituency in Siaya County after winning the 1992 General Election, defeating longtime MP Peter Oloo Aringo.

Former Moi regime detainee and one-time Alego Usonga Member of Parliament Otieno Mak’Onyango has died while undergoing treatment at a Nairobi hospital.

Current Alego Usonga MP Sam Atandi announced the death on Sunday night and expressed sorrow over the former legislator’s passing.

“We have this evening lost the Hon Otieno Mak’Onyango, Former MP, Alego Usonga Constituency, while undergoing treatment at a Nairobi Hospital. May his soul rest in peace,” Atandi said.

Mak’Onyango’s victory ended Aringo’s parliamentary tenure, which had begun in 1974. Aringo later reclaimed the seat in the 1997 elections and held it until 2002.

Mak’Onyango was among Kenyans detained following the failed coup attempt of August 1982 against the government of former President Daniel arap Moi.