The death of Anita Kendi Murungi, the youngest daughter of former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi and his wife Priscilla, brought together political rivals, friends and residents in a rare show of unity and shared grief.
Kendi, 25, died on May 14 at Nairobi Hospital following a sudden illness. She was buried at her parents’ home in Murungurune, South Imenti, on May 22.
A former student of Consolata Primary School, Kilimani Junior Academy, Kianda School and Brookhouse School, Kendi was pursuing medicine at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston, England.
Having recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Studies, she had returned home for a gap year.
She developed health complications and had been admitted to hospital several times between March and April.
She had been on internship at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) pending resumption of her studies in September.
According to her father, on the evening before her death, May 13, Kendi had shared with the family how much she had enjoyed attending a women’s health conference at Windsor Hotel hosted by KEMRI.
Later that night, she complained of nausea and a headache and was taken to Karen Hospital before returning home.
At around 3am, the family received a distress call from staff and rushed her to Nairobi Hospital — the same hospital where she had been born on July 13, 2001 — but she was pronounced dead on arrival.
Residents, leaders from across the political divide and other mourners gathered to stand with the Murungi family in their grief.
Sworn political rivals put aside their differences to mourn Kendi and show solidarity with the family.
It was during the sombre ceremony, attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and other leaders, that Kiraitu and his wife opened up about their loss, hopes and even politics.
In an emotional tribute, Kiraitu reminisced about the joy his daughter brought to the family and how deeply she was loved and cherished by all.
A father’s grief
“I had a very special relationship with Anita. No words in any language can adequately describe that relationship. As a young child, she could recognise the sound of my car from the road and would excitedly start shouting, ‘Daddy, Daddy, Daddy’, until the gate opened and I entered the house,” said Kiraitu, a former minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs and Energy.
“Coming into our lives 11 years after our other children, she was pampered and celebrated by everyone.”
Kiraitu, visibly struggling to come to terms with the loss, admitted life would be difficult without her.
“Although you are not there physically, I often see you in my mind. You appear several times in my dreams. You may not be here with us, but to me you live on. I simply cannot let you go. I will always love you and cherish you, despite all the pain, confusion and uncertainty that seem to envelop me now,” he said.
He described Kendi as widely read, intellectually curious and deeply committed to medicine.
“Her interest in medicine was medical research. She believed research could provide answers to chronic diseases and lift millions of people out of suffering, unlike private medical practice, which only benefits a few people, especially the rich.”
Kiraitu said they often engaged in spirited debates on philosophy, psychology and politics. “Anita was very widely read. When it came to ideas, we were intellectual companions and, at times, competitors. We spent a lot of time in endless debates on philosophy, psychology and politics.”
He said her death had profoundly changed his outlook on politics and relationships with others.
“The death of this child has affected me. It has humbled me very much. I think from now on, you won’t hear me insulting people. Anita has made a lot of people come to my home to come condole with us; people you would have not expected that would have come. Politicians from all walks of life have been here (home),” he revealed.
Political rivals unite
Among those who visited the family were his successor, former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, his predecessor Peter Munya, and former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi. “I was very surprised that Governor Kawira Mwangaza, who calls me king’ang’i (crocodile), and whom I call ‘drama queen’, came to my home and we spoke very well. She has made me discover positive aspects of humanity. These are people I have been fighting with out there, but it is Anita who made this possible,” he said.
Priscilla was overcome with emotion as she paid tribute to a daughter she described as fiercely loyal to family and friends.
“You had so much love for your family and friends and were always willing to go the extra mile for others. You were always deeply committed to your friendships. I truly admired the love and loyalty you showed your friends,” she said.
Leaders, including Linturi and Munya, who had earlier traded political barbs at another burial in Tigania, steered clear of politics during Kendi’s funeral.
Deputy President Kindiki praised leaders from different political formations for conducting themselves with decorum and respect during the funeral.
“I am very grateful that those who spoke before me — because I am told none was disrespectful — concentrated on the mission of the day. I am very grateful,” he said.
He particularly commended politicians for maintaining restraint while addressing mourners.
“I especially thank the politicians, because they are often the biggest culprits in disrupting people’s events,” he said.
In her condolence message, Mwangaza said: “I extend my heartfelt condolences to former Governor Kiraitu Murungi and his family. There are no words for the pain of losing a child. I am deeply sorry for your loss.”