Nairobi, Kenya| In a heartbreaking turn that has reverberated across the arid landscapes of northern Kenya and the hallowed halls of the National Assembly, Isiolo South Member of Parliament Mohamed Tubi Bidu has passed away at the age of 68.
The veteran politician, renowned for his unyielding commitment to wildlife conservation, community development, and grassroots advocacy, succumbed to a prolonged illness while receiving treatment at The Nairobi Hospital.
His death, confirmed by his family and announced by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula during an evening session, has plunged the Isiolo community into collective mourning, marking the end of an era for one of the region’s most influential voices.
The news broke like a sudden dust storm over the vast plains of Isiolo County, leaving constituents, colleagues, and admirers grappling with profound grief.
Tubi, who had been battling health challenges in recent months, was admitted to the hospital for specialized care, but efforts to stabilize him proved futile.
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un – Surely we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return,” echoed through social media and public statements, a poignant Islamic invocation underscoring the spiritual solace sought amid the sorrow.
A Life Rooted in Service: From Wildlife Warden to Parliamentary Stalwart
Born in the resilient heart of Isiolo County in the late 1950s, Mohamed Tubi Bidu embodied the spirit of northern Kenya’s pastoralist heritage.
His early education at Isiolo Secondary School, where he completed his O-Level studies from 1971 to 1975, laid the foundation for a career that would intertwine public service with environmental stewardship.
Driven by a passion for the wild expanses that define his homeland, Tubi pursued advanced training, earning a diploma in wildlife management from the College of African Wildlife Management in Moshi, Tanzania (1999–2001), followed by a Bachelor of Arts in Community Development from Gretsa University (2015–2018).
These qualifications were not mere academic accolades; they fueled a decades-long dedication to preserving Kenya’s natural heritage while uplifting marginalized communities.
Tubi’s professional journey began humbly in the dusty outposts of conservation. From 1993 to 1996, he served as Acting Warden-in-Charge at the Isiolo County Council, rising through the ranks to Game Warden and Senior Warden (1997–1999).
His expertise took him to prestigious national reserves: Chief Game Warden at Isiolo Parks (2004–2008), Maasai Mara National Reserve under Narok County (2009–2012), and Samburu Park (2012–2013).
In these roles, Tubi was a fierce guardian of Kenya’s biodiversity, combating poaching, promoting sustainable tourism, and advocating for ranger welfare in often perilous conditions.
His work earned him respect as a “respected elder” among conservationists, a title that would later define his political persona.
Transitioning to the political arena, Tubi made history as the inaugural Speaker of the Isiolo County Assembly from 2013 to 2017.
During this tenure, he navigated the nascent challenges of devolution, fostering unity in a constituency marked by ethnic diversity and resource scarcity.
His election as Isiolo South MP in August 2022 under the Jubilee Party banner was a triumphant homecoming, securing his seat in the 13th Parliament with a mandate to champion wildlife conservation, environmental management, and infrastructure development until 2027.
As a first-term legislator, Tubi wasted no time: he pushed for enhanced funding for arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL) initiatives, lobbied for better road networks to connect remote pastoralist villages, and voiced concerns over escalating insecurity in Isiolo, famously declaring the region “ungovernable” amid failed governance efforts in August 2025.
Yet, Tubi’s path was not without shadows. In September 2024, he faced public scrutiny over allegations of nepotism and corruption, with constituents decrying perceived favoritism in constituency projects.
Though these claims stirred heated debates on social media and local forums, Tubi responded with characteristic resilience, reaffirming his pledge to transparent service.
Such episodes, while testing his resolve, only amplified his reputation as a leader unafraid to confront tough realities.
Tributes Pour In: A Charismatic Defender of the Voiceless
The outpouring of condolences has been swift and heartfelt, painting a portrait of a man whose influence transcended party lines and borders.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, a fellow northerner, led the chorus of grief, hailing Tubi as “a dedicated leader who served his constituents with commitment and humility since his election in 2022.”
In a moving statement, Duale invoked divine mercy: “May Allah have mercy on him and grant his family patience,” extending sympathies to the people of northern Kenya.
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi echoed this sentiment, remembering Tubi as “a humble and committed leader whose legacy will endure through the lives he touched and the progress he championed in Isiolo South.”
Amisi’s words captured the essence of Tubi’s on-the-ground impact: from sponsoring youth scholarships to mediating clan disputes, he was the bridge between policy and people.
Kabale Tache Arero, MBS, offered a vivid eulogy, calling Tubi “a charismatic leader and a fierce defender of justice who stood unwaveringly for his people.” Arero’s tribute highlighted his “principled and dedicated service,” praying for Tubi to attain the highest ranks in Jannah (Paradise).
On X (formerly Twitter), the platform buzzed with raw emotion: users like @sara_groba lamented, “It’s a sad evening for Isiolo,” while @EyeBeHassan sought forgiveness for his shortcomings and admission to eternal bliss.
News outlets such as TV 47 Digital and The Kenya Times amplified the story, underscoring Tubi’s pre-parliamentary legacy as a county assembly pioneer.
Community leaders in Isiolo South, where pastoralism and conservation collide, have already begun planning memorial events. Though details remain fluid, calls for a state funeral reflect the depth of his imprint.
“He was more than an MP; he was our conscience,” one anonymous constituent told reporters, voicing the void left in a region still reeling from drought and insecurity.
An Unfillable Void: Legacy in the Sands of Time
Mohamed Tubi Bidu’s departure comes at a pivotal moment for Isiolo South, a constituency grappling with climate change, inter-community tensions, and uneven development.
His advocacy for ASAL-focused policies – from solar-powered boreholes to anti-poaching tech – positioned him as a forward-thinker in Kenya’s green agenda.
Earning a gross monthly salary of KSh 739,600 as an MP, including allowances for housing, mileage, and maintenance, Tubi channeled resources back into his people, though his net worth remains undisclosed, symbolizing a life of modest service over personal gain.
In the broader tapestry of Kenyan politics, Tubi’s story is one of perseverance: a wildlife warden who tamed political wilds, a speaker who amplified silent voices.
His passing prompts reflection on the fragility of leadership in underrepresented regions, urging successors to inherit his mantle of humility and resolve.
As the sun sets over Isiolo’s acacia-dotted horizons, prayers rise for Jannatul Firdaus – the highest paradise – for this son of the soil. May Allah grant solace to his family, whose privacy he guarded fiercely, and strength to a community forever changed.
Mohamed Tubi Bidu may have left the earthly stage, but his echoes of justice, conservation, and compassion will resonate for generations. Rest in peace, Mzee.
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