Former MP Won Millions in Court, but His Long Fight for Justice Ended in Pain-Details

Otieno Mak’Onyango: Former MP and Detainee Who Won Sh20 Million in Court but Never Got Justice

Former Alego Usonga MP Otieno Mak’Onyango paid a heavy price for fighting for democracy in Kenya. His life was marked by political detention, persecution, legal battles and a long struggle to obtain justice.

Mak’Onyango, a veteran journalist and politician, died on Sunday, October 25, 2026, while receiving treatment at a Nairobi hospital. His death was announced by his successor, Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi.

Before joining politics, Mak’Onyango worked as a journalist at the East African Standard, now known as The Standard. However, his career was cut short following his arrest on August 17, 1982, after the failed coup attempt against former President Daniel arap Moi’s government.

He was accused of involvement in the attempted coup and spent about four years in detention. During his court proceedings, he told the court that he had been tortured while in custody. He was also detained alongside other prominent Kenyans, including the late Raila Odinga.

After his release, Mak’Onyango entered politics following the return of multiparty democracy. In the 1992 General Election, he won the Alego Usonga parliamentary seat, defeating veteran politician Oloo Aringo. However, he served only one term, losing the seat to Aringo in the 1997 elections.

In 2003, Mak’Onyango sued the government over his arrest, detention and violation of his constitutional rights. After years of legal battles, the High Court, under Justice Kalpana Rawal, awarded him Sh20 million in compensation in June 2012.

Despite the court victory, he struggled to receive the money and accrued interest. His financial situation remained difficult, leaving him struggling to meet basic needs and pay for medication.

His story highlights the challenges faced by victims of past human rights violations, even after winning cases in court.

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