Leaders, constituents mourn Matungu MP Justus Murunga

Matungu Member of Parliament Justus Murunga is dead.

The MP died Saturday evening while being rushed to St Mary’s Hospital in Mumias.

Two weeks ago, Mr Murunga fell ill and was admitted to the Aga Khan Hospital in Kisumu where he was being treated for hypertension and diabetes.

Matungu NG-CDF committee chairman Athman Wangara said the MP was discharged from the hospital on Thursday and was recuperating from his home in Emakunda village, Matungu until Saturday evening when he developed breathing problems.

“He had spent the whole day receiving visitors who came to wish him well and quick recovery. He was in a jovial mood and gave us hope that he was getting better,” said Mr Wangara.

His family said that he even gave orders to engineers about the installation of a water tank in his compound before he went for dinner.

“While climbing the stairs, he lost energy and collapsed. He was assisted by his aides and bodyguard who rushed him to Matungu Sub-County Hospital but there was no oxygen machine, forcing them to transfer him to St Mary’s but he succumbed on the way,” said Mr Wangara.

Friends, relatives and constituents flocked the mortuary following the news of the death of their leader.

Overtaken by grief, they mourned, wailing uncontrollably.

MP eulogised

Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali and former Sports Cabinet secretary Rashid Echesa rushed to the mortuary where Mr Murunga’s body of had been taken.

Mr Washiali eulogised Mr Murunga as a close personal friend who knew no boundaries in terms of leadership.

“Recently, he had been admitted to Aga Khan with diabetes and high blood pressure but had been discharged in good condition. It is saddening that he has left us,” said Mr Washiali.

He said Mr Murunga’s body will be moved to Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi as burial arrangements take place.

Mr Echesa said it was a shock for him when he received the sad news of Mr Murunga’s death.

“Murunga was daring, a fighter, friendly and welcoming. He will be remembered for his dedication to serve the people of Matungu without limitations. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the family, residents of Matungu Constituency and ANC family. May Allah give us enough courage and energy to face this moment of grief,” he said.

Born in 1961, Mr Murunga had unsuccessfully contested the Matungu parliamentary seat since 2002 but won the seat in August 2017 on Amani National Congress party ticket, replacing Mr David Were who had served for two terms from 2007 to 2013.

Several leaders including the Deputy President William Ruto, Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, former Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale, Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka and Senator Cleophas Malala mourned Mr Murunga.

The DP eulogised Mr Murungu as a focused, hardworking and visionary leader who relentlessly advocated for the empowerment of the people. He termed the MP as a development-oriented titan who was dedicated to public service.

“Mheshimiwa Murunga was steadfast, amiable and loving. We will miss his firmness, wise counsel and vibrancy to unite and transform western region,” posted Dr Ruto.

Governor Oparanya said Mr Murunga was a hardworking and selfless leader whom he worked with closely to develop Matungu.

"I am deeply saddened by his death which has robbed Kakamega of a focused leader whose contribution in the development of our county will be missed. May his soul rest in peace," Mr Oparanya said.