NAIROBI, Kenya — Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has responded publicly for the first time since the death of Kariobangi North MCA Joel Munuve, a vocal critic of his administration.
Sakaja, speaking during an interview on Wednesday, April 23, offered his condolences while urging restraint and patience as investigations into Munuve’s sudden passing begin to unfold.
Munuve, who collapsed at home and later died while receiving treatment at a hospital in Kiambu on Tuesday, April 22, made headlines last year after spearheading efforts to impeach the governor — citing corruption, mismanagement, and stalled bursary disbursements.
But in the face of tragedy, Sakaja’s tone was markedly different. “I pass my deepest and sincere condolences to the people of Kariobangi North,” he said.
“He collapsed at home, and the autopsy is slated for tomorrow, Thursday, April 24. We’ve called for a full investigation because I don’t think he had a history of illness.”
Governor Johnson Sakaja: 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. We have asked for a full investigation to understand what happened. I don’t
A Sudden Death, a Pending Autopsy, and a Call for Sobriety
The cause of Munuve’s death remains officially unknown, pending autopsy results. While public speculation has begun to swirl, Sakaja was quick to push back against conspiracy theories and political finger-pointing.
“Death is serious. It’s not something to politicize,” he cautioned. “He was passionate, vocal, and we often disagreed, but that didn’t diminish the value he brought. I want to allay any speculation. There is a full investigation underway.”
Kariobangi North MCA Joel Munuve has passed away while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Kiambu, the County Assembly Speaker has confirmed.
The governor emphasized the role of Kenya’s official agencies in determining the truth, asserting that the process should be trusted and respected.
“We have institutions in this country mandated to get to the bottom of such matters,” Sakaja said. “If foul play is found, then justice must follow.”
From Political Adversary to Tragic Figure
In late 2023, Munuve shook Nairobi’s political scene when he led a campaign to collect signatures for Sakaja’s impeachment.
At the heart of the push were allegations of delayed bursaries, incompetence, and what Munuve described as entrenched corruption at City Hall.
Backed by several Nairobi MCAs, including vocal figures like Kileleshwa’s Robert Alai, Munuve accused Sakaja’s administration of losing grip over county revenue systems and allowing cartels to dictate operations.
“The fact that the governor claims the NIS is collecting revenue is shameless. He doesn’t even know who’s collecting revenue,” Alai said at the time — highlighting a governance crisis that had gained significant public traction.
Sakaja Urges Unity as City Waits for Answers
Despite past friction, Sakaja chose not to dwell on their political history. Instead, he focused on the need for unity, justice, and emotional restraint during this sensitive period.
“There are processes in this country that work, and they must work,” he said. “Let’s wait for the post-mortem. If there’s any indication of foul play, then action must be taken. But until then, let’s not jump to conclusions.”
As Nairobi processes the unexpected death of a passionate legislator — one who dared to challenge the county’s leadership — the coming days may bring clarity, or more questions.
