Stand without fear: Leaders urge MCAs to carry on Munuve’s legacy

The final journey of Joel Munuve, the outspoken Kariobangi North MCA, stirred emotions and renewed calls for courage among his peers during a moving memorial service held in Nairobi.

As family, friends, and leaders gathered to remember him, a strong message rang out, MCAs must remain fearless and continue the oversight role that Munuve carried out boldly until his death.

The event turned into a solemn call for bravery and justice, with leaders urging that his death should not silence those entrusted with holding county governments accountable.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna told MCAs that the time had come for them to be bold and unshaken, saying the work they do is a duty, not a favour, and should never lead to loss of life.

"The work we do is not personal and should not result in anyone dying. What the MCAs do is oversighting, and this should not be a reason for them to die," he said.

Sifuna, who described Munuve as a fearless man who never shied away from asking questions, challenged the County Assembly to honour the fallen MCA by continuing his work without fear or compromise.

"The work that Munuve was doing in oversight should proceed in honor of your fallen colleague," Sifuna said, adding, "The questions that the family and MCAs have concerning Munuve’s death must be answered."

He assured the legislators that his party had never stopped anyone from holding the Nairobi County administration accountable, making it clear that the duty lies with the Assembly.

"You are allowed to ask and even impeach when you feel the government is not working for Nairobians. Do not come to me and say that Sifuna, you have not impeached the Governor; how will I do that, and MCAs are here?" he asked.

He encouraged the ward representatives to pick up from where Munuve left, insisting that the true way to honour his legacy was to stand firm and keep oversight alive in Nairobi.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino also echoed the need for justice, saying Munuve’s death had not received the same level of attention as the recent assassination of Kasipul MP Charles Were.

He claimed that those behind Munuve’s death were being shielded from investigations.

"Munuve was a personal friend. Unfortunately, he died in the line of duty. Unfortunately, MP Were’s killers have been found. But it is unfortunate that Munuve’s killers have not been found and will not be found because some people must be protected and I’m talking from a point of facts," Babu said.

The leaders insisted that no one should lose their life for doing their job and urged investigators to fast-track their work and provide answers to the many lingering questions.

Munuve passed away on April 22 outside AAR Hospital along Kiambu Road after seeking treatment for chest pains.

The sudden nature of his death raised concern, leading to a postmortem examination involving seven pathologists led by Chief Government Pathologist Dr Johansen Oduor.

Oduor confirmed that Munuve died of a pulmonary embolism caused by a blood clot. He explained that cyanosis—darkening of the lips and fingernails due to lack of oxygen—was among the first signs noted during the examination.

Upon further investigation, they discovered a clot in the pulmonary artery and a second one in the lower limb, which may have travelled to the lungs, cutting off oxygen flow.

The autopsy was witnessed by family representatives, leaders, and forensic experts from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

Lawyers from various parties, including the Nairobi County Assembly, the family, AAR Hospital, and Babu Owino, were present.

Lawyer Danstan Omari, speaking on behalf of the family, said samples including stomach fluids, organ fats, and viral swabs were collected and sent to the government chemist for further analysis.

"Some viral swabs were also taken for further analysis. The doctors representing the government have one bunch of samples, the doctors representing the family the document of what they are going to analyse," Omari said.

Until his death, Munuve stood out for his fearless approach in handling issues at City Hall.

Elected as an independent candidate in 2022, he made a name for himself by confronting misuse of public funds and openly opposing questionable tenders.

He raised alarm over a private company allegedly formed by the county executive to manage waste in Nairobi, warning that it could open doors to corruption.

He was also critical of Governor Sakaja’s ‘Dishi na County’ programme, saying it lacked proper planning and implementation.

"I will fight for my people to death. I am not afraid. If they want to come for me, let them come," he once said after disclosing threats he had received for his stand on governance.

In 2023, Munuve led an impeachment motion against Governor Sakaja, accusing him of poor service delivery.

Though the motion did not succeed, Munuve said it failed due to intimidation and threats.

He was known in his ward as a dedicated leader who preferred spending time with his constituents rather than attending functions at City Hall.

His efforts to push for the transfer of Mama Margaret Kenyatta Hospital to the national government due to alleged mismanagement further showed his deep concern for proper service delivery.

Joel Munuve will be laid to rest at his family home in Mwingi, Kitui County on Friday, May 9, 2025