Governor Sakaja Addresses Allegations of Foul Play in the Death of Kariobangi North MCA Joel Munuve
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has formally addressed rising allegations and political speculation surrounding the untimely death of Kariobangi North Member of County Assembly (MCA), Joel Munuve, who passed away under unclear circumstances on Tuesday while receiving treatment at a hospital in Kiambu County.
The death of the youthful legislator has stirred intense public discourse and triggered a wave of speculation, particularly from political quarters and online platforms. At the center of the speculation are claims suggesting that the late MCA may have been targeted due to his recent political stance.
Reports have emerged indicating that Mr. Munuve had been at the forefront of a campaign to initiate Governor Sakaja’s impeachment, and had allegedly begun collecting signatures to support the motion just days prior to his death.
Governor Sakaja, responding to the matter during an interview on JKLive—a current affairs show aired on Citizen TV—offered his condolences to the late MCA’s family, constituents, and colleagues, while firmly urging for calm and restraint as official investigations into the cause of death proceed.
“First and foremost, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the people of Kariobangi North and the family of Hon. Joel Munuve,” Governor Sakaja stated. “It is an immense loss for the community and the leadership of Nairobi County. He was a dedicated public servant.”
Addressing the allegations of foul play, the governor warned against the dangers of prematurely politicizing a deeply sensitive matter. He emphasized that while the circumstances surrounding Munuve’s passing might appear sudden and unexpected, no conclusions should be drawn until a thorough post-mortem examination is conducted and forensic findings released.
“He collapsed at his home, and was later declared dead at the hospital,” Sakaja said. “I have heard some quarters already labeling it murder. Perhaps they have information I do not. However, as responsible leaders and citizens, we must wait for the outcome of the autopsy and investigations before making pronouncements. Death is not something we should speculate about or exploit for political mileage.”
Governor Sakaja further acknowledged that the deceased had no previously known medical condition, noting that this added to the questions that investigators would need to answer. He confirmed that a formal request had been made for a comprehensive investigation to establish the true circumstances surrounding the MCA’s death.
“We want the truth, and the truth must come from the proper channels,” Sakaja reiterated. “We have institutions mandated to carry out investigations—both medical and criminal—and I trust they will do their work with the integrity and professionalism this moment requires.”
The governor went on to reflect on his working relationship with the late MCA, describing Munuve as a principled and passionate leader who was never afraid to speak his mind.
“He was a passionate advocate for his ward. We did not always agree—there were instances where we had sharp political differences. But there were also times when we engaged constructively, sat together, and deliberated on matters affecting Nairobi,” Sakaja noted. “I spoke with his brother, Kimanzi, and assured the family of our support during this extremely difficult time. We will walk with them.”
Turning to the online narratives and resurfaced video clips that showed Munuve calling for Sakaja’s impeachment, the governor maintained that dissent and disagreement are natural components of a functioning democracy and should never be met with fear or suspicion.
“I believe in the democratic right of every elected leader to hold and express their views. If someone disagrees with me and wants to push for an impeachment process, that is their constitutional right. No one should ever feel that political opposition will be met with violence or suppression,” he said. “That is not the kind of leadership I practice or believe in.”
As calls for transparency grow louder, Governor Sakaja assured Nairobi residents and the nation at large that he fully supports an impartial inquiry into the matter. He stressed that, should the findings point to foul play, justice must be pursued swiftly and decisively.
“The integrity of our public institutions depends on how we respond to incidents like this,” he said. “If investigations uncover wrongdoing, then the law must take its course. No individual—no matter their position—should be above accountability.”
The death of MCA Munuve has become a point of national conversation, not only due to his youth and political activism but also due to the timing of his death, which many have called “suspicious.” The proximity between his reported political activity targeting the governor and his sudden demise has fueled conspiracy theories and intensified pressure on both county and national authorities to conduct transparent, expeditious investigations.
Governor Sakaja concluded his remarks by calling for sobriety and compassion during this period of mourning, reminding leaders and the public of the need to uphold dignity and empathy, even in the midst of political disagreements.
“This is a time to console and support the family of the late Hon. Munuve. It is not the time to inflame passions or deepen divisions with unverified claims. Let us give investigators space to work. And above all, let us remember that behind every political figure is a human being, a family, and a grieving community.”
As the country awaits the outcome of the post-mortem and investigations, attention remains sharply focused on Nairobi County and the unfolding developments surrounding this tragic loss.
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Governor Sakaja Addresses Allegations of Foul Play in the Death of Kariobangi North MCA Joel Munuve
