David Sankok Quits Politics

Nominated MP David Sankok has announced that he is retiring from politics.

Speaking to Spice FM on Monday, July 4, Sankok revealed that he will not run for any elective office or nomination in the upcoming August 9 General Election.

He added that he will concentrate on private business instead.

Nominated MP David Ole Sankok. /DAILY NATION

“The issue of contesting is a personal decision. I decided this time round not to seek any elective position. I need to focus on my businesses because I started engaging in the advocacy of people with disabilities at a very early age, so I never had space to develop myself and that is what it is,” he said.

He however noted that he wants to continue fighting for the rights of people with disabilities even after his departure from politics.

"If you've followed debates in Parliament, you've probably noticed that I always arrive on time for debates and always leave after the Speaker. I am always on time because I don't want anything to go by without me bringing up the issue of persons with disabilities. I was recognized as the best performing male MP for three years," he added.

Sankok further noted that he has gone through a series of major frustrations since joining active politics in 2017. Specifically, his political activities have affected him financially.

“Politics in Kenya is very hard. It is a very tough game where everyone thinks you are their property. I’m not used to giving out free things. As a disabled person, I have struggled. I can’t just give out money freely,” he added.

Sankok recently took the podium to rally support for Deputy President William Ruto’s manifesto, urging Kenyans to vote wisely during the August 9 general elections. He has been known for showing up to the National Assembly in bright green attire with national flag stripes.

He is currently battling charges of improper storage of a firearm following the death of his 15-year-old son through alleged suicide earlier in May. 

The second autopsy conducted by the government pathologist, Johansen Oduor, on the body of 15-year-old Hillary Memusi Sankok on Friday, May 13, revealed he may have shot himself.

Nominated MP David Ole Sankok, his wife Hellen and their children during a visiting day at the Maseno High School in 2019. /DAVID OLE SANKOK