Leaders head to Laikipia for burial of ex-Mungiki leader Maina Njenga’s father

Several political leaders from the Mt Kenya region are expected in Laikipia today for the burial of Mzee Stephen Kamunya Njoroge, father of former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga.

The ceremony has drawn national attention and calls for unity.

Mzee Kamunya, who died on December 7 after a short illness at a hospital in Nairobi, will be laid to rest at the family’s home in Laikipia.

He was 101 years old.

Early Wednesday, Njenga, accompanied by politician James Wanjohi and lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, departed Nairobi’s Wilson Airport for Laikipia ahead of the burial.

The trio is among several leaders and associates expected to attend the ceremony, which organisers have said will be conducted in a peaceful and dignified manner.

Speaking earlier, Njenga said the decision to hold the burial on December 31 aligned with his father’s wishes, who had requested to be taken home so that the family could gather during the New Year period.

“Our father loved unity. He brought us together as a family, and that is how we want to remember him,” Njenga said, adding that the funeral should be a moment of reflection rather than division.

The funeral has attracted interest beyond the family due to Njenga’s ongoing engagement with leaders from the Mt Kenya region.

Several politicians are expected to attend, though clergy and organisers have urged that the event remain non-political.

Church leaders involved in the arrangements have asked politicians to refrain from campaigning or making divisive remarks, stressing that the ceremony should focus on mourning, peace, and unity.

They also cautioned against inflammatory rhetoric, given the country’s approaching 2027 General Election.

Some leaders attending condolence meetings echoed the clergy’s appeal, highlighting the need to avoid ethnic or political tensions and referencing the lessons of the 2007 post-election violence.

They emphasised that funerals should not serve as platforms for political mobilisation.

Security arrangements have been put in place ahead of the burial, with organisers assuring residents and mourners that the event will proceed in an orderly manner.

Former Starehe MP Stephen Kariuki said all Kenyans are welcome to attend regardless of political affiliation, describing the funeral as a unifying occasion.

Mzee Kamunya’s long life and role as a family patriarch have been widely acknowledged, with speakers describing him as a figure whose legacy can inspire peace and cohesion.

Wanjohi also urged Mt Kenya leaders and residents to remain united and speak with a common voice.

The leaders stressed that the gathering will not only be a moment to pay last respects but also an opportunity for Mt Kenya to demonstrate unity, peace, and a shared political perspective.