Justin Munene Muriuki, a 16-year-old Grade 10 student from Nkumbo village in Meru County, was buried in an emotional ceremony on Friday, October 30, 2026, days after losing his life in the Mutonga Quarry disaster that claimed three lives.
The tragedy struck just one day after schools had closed for the holidays, robbing the teenager of what should have been the start of a joyful school break and plunging his family into grief at a moment reserved for rest and celebration.
The burial, held in Nkumbo Location, Igoji East Ward, drew mourners from across the community, including family members, classmates and local leaders.
The Office of the area Member of Parliament, Hon. Dr. Shadrack Mwiti, was represented by Constituency Office Manager Mr. Muiruri and Martin Mutugi, who attended the send-off on behalf of the legislator.
Mwiti stands with victim’s family
Dr. Mwiti’s office said it had stood alongside the affected families throughout the six-day search and retrieval exercise that followed the disaster.
In a message delivered at the ceremony, the MP expressed his condolences.
“It is heartbreaking to lose a young life with so much promise ahead. May God grant the family strength, comfort and courage during this difficult time,” he said.
Meru leaders press county government
Even as mourners gathered to say their final goodbyes to Justin, the ceremony was overshadowed by an unresolved matter.
Ten days after the quarry disaster, the body of one victim remained unrecovered, leaving another family without closure.
Leaders present at the burial used the occasion to press the Meru County Government and other relevant agencies to speed up the retrieval effort.
Dr Mwiti addresses victim’s family directly
Dr. Mwiti’s message also addressed the missing victim’s family directly.
“We also continue to pray for the family of the person who remains missing, hoping for closure. Our thoughts and prayers remain with all families affected by this tragedy,” he said.
Justin Munene Muriuki leaves behind a family and a community still coming to terms with a loss that arrived without warning, at a time when the young student should have been far from harm’s way.
