Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has downplayed speculations surrounding the death of Kariobangi North Member of County Assembly (MCA) Joel Munuve, who died at a Kiambu hospital on Tuesday.
This is after a section of leaders hinted at foul play in the death of the MCA, following reports that the deceased was pushing for the removal of Sakaja from office.
Speaking on Citizen TV’s JKLive Show on Wednesday, Sakaja called for patience as investigations into the death of the MCA are underway.
Despite noting that the lawmaker had no known history of sickness, the county boss cautioned about politicising the issue before an autopsy report is released.
“Allow me to pass my deepest and sincere condolences to the people of Kariobangi North who lost their MCA, Joel Munuve. He collapsed at home. I don’t know why you call it murder, maybe you have information, but the autopsy is tomorrow,” he said.
“We have asked for a full investigation to understand what happened because I don’t think he had a history of illness, but we will let the professionals tell us. Death is a serious thing and is not something we can play with or politicise.”
The county boss remembered Munuve as a ‘passionate’ leader, acknowledging that even though they may have differed in some instances, they also agreed on political opinions.
He consequently implored multi-agency bodies to conduct thorough investigations to allay concerns surrounding Munuve’s death, adding that anyone found culpable should face the law.
“He was very firm and very passionate about the issues he believed in. There were times we disagreed, but then there were times we also agreed; we sat down and had meetings. I spoke with the brother, Kimanzi, and I know they are doing the autopsy, and we will support the family,” he said.
“What we want is full investigations into what happened to mheshimiwa to allay all these political speculations. We have agencies charged with those responsibilities and I think they should do the work…if it was foul play, there must be justice.”
Sakaja added, “I believe in the right of everyone to be who they are, and no one should ever think that any kind of dissent should be met with any kind of violence.”
A section of critics appeared to point fingers at the governor after clips in which the late Munuve was captured calling for Sakaja’s impeachment were shared online.
They said that he died under unclear circumstances, barely three days after starting to collect signatures to impeach Sakaja.
