Ex-Mungiki leader father is dead
Politicians who gathered for the burial of the late Mzee Stephen Kamunya Njoroge, the father of former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga, have been urged to avoid igniting ethnic or political tensions as the nation begins to shift its attention toward the 2027 General Election.
The organizers and church leaders overseeing the funeral arrangements called for restraint, emphasizing the need to keep the December 31 ceremony in Laikipia free from political agendas.
They stressed that this occasion should be a time for reflection, unity, and peace, rather than a platform for political messages or ethnic mobilization.
“The church is clear: this is not a campaign rally. It’s a moment to mourn, to support the Njenga family, and to remind ourselves of the importance of unity and peace,” Bishop Elijah Mwangi stated, highlighting that the country’s painful past should always remind us of the risks associated with divisive politics.
He warned that funerals, especially those attended by prominent leaders, should not be used for political advantage.
This sentiment was shared by several leaders present at the condolence gathering at Njenga’s home in Kajiado, many of whom referenced the 2007 post-election violence as a dark period that the country must never revisit.
Starehe MP Amos Mwago remarked that leaders were there not for political reasons, but to stand in solidarity with the grieving Njenga family and to seek guidance as the nation heads into another election cycle.
He cautioned against any rhetoric that could reopen old wounds, emphasizing that Kenyans need to learn from their history.
“This is not the time for divisions. Lately, we have been hearing drums of war, people telling us about what happened in 2007 as we head 2027,” Mwago said.
Maina Njenga, who spoke at the event, shared heartfelt memories of his father, portraying him as a true unifying force who cherished family bonds and harmony. He mentioned that the choice to lay him to rest on December 31 was inspired by the late man’s desire for the family to come together at their ancestral home and welcome the new year as one.
“He told us he wanted us to go home to Laikipia so that we could all be together as a family and celebrate the new year there. Unfortunately, a day later, he passed on,” Njenga said.
“We are simply respecting his wish.”
Njenga took the opportunity to call for unity not just within the Mt Kenya region, but throughout the entire country, especially urging young people to come together and stand against division. He mentioned that regional leaders are already in talks about the future, but emphasized that these discussions are focused on building cohesion, not stirring up rivalry.
“We are talking, and you can see that we are united,” he said, adding that the burial should send a message of togetherness rather than political competition.
Former Starehe MP Stephen Kariuki urged all Kenyans, regardless of their political beliefs, to come together for a peaceful burial. He reassured everyone that security measures were firmly in place.
Kariuki highlighted that the late Njenga patriarch had strong connections with both the church and the community, emphasizing the importance of giving him a respectful send-off.
As political alignments start to emerge ahead of the 2027 elections, he called for calm and open dialogue, stressing that the country cannot afford to relive the chaos of the past.
Mzee Kamunya passed away on December 7 in a Nairobi hospital after a brief illness.
He lived to the impressive age of 101.
His burial is anticipated to attract leaders from all sides of the political spectrum.
Ex-Mungiki leader father is dead
