Kabete parliamentary aspirant James Wanjohi and former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga address the media on burial preparations for the late Mzee Stephen Kamunya Njenga/HANDOUTFormer Mungiki leader Maina Njenga has called on Mt Kenya leaders and residents to remain united and speak with one political voice.
He urged them to put aside internal divisions in favour of peace, cohesion and a shared regional agenda.
Njenga made the appeal while hosting a delegation of leaders and residents from Kabete Constituency at his Kitengela home in Kajiado County.
The delegation was led by Kabete parliamentary aspirant James Wanjohi and included representatives drawn from all wards of the constituency.
The leaders said the upcoming burial of Njenga’s father, the late Stephen Kamunya Njenga, should serve as a powerful symbol and declaration of unity for the Mt Kenya region.
Kamunya, who died at the age of 101, passed away on December 7 at a Nairobi hospital after a short illness.
According to the leaders, the burial ceremony, scheduled to take place in Laikipia on December 31, should transcend political differences and instead reflect the region’s desire for unity, calm and issue-based politics, especially as the country slowly shifts focus to the 2027 General Election.
“As Mt Kenya, we must learn to speak with one voice. Our strength lies in unity and peaceful engagement, not endless divisions,” Njenga said, noting that his father valued family cohesion and harmonious coexistence among communities.
In preparation for the burial, Wanjohi revealed that at least 26 buses have already been hired to ferry Njenga’s supporters and mourners from Kabete to Laikipia.
He added that more residents were being encouraged to turn up in large numbers to give Mzee Kamunya a dignified send-off.
Wanjohi said the large turnout would not only be a show of respect to the deceased but also a demonstration that Mt Kenya can come together peacefully despite differing political views.
“This burial is not just about mourning. It is an opportunity for Mt Kenya to show maturity, unity and a shared political direction grounded in peace,” he said.
The leaders further noted that the funeral is expected to attract politicians from across the political divide, underscoring the need for restraint and responsible conduct.
They cautioned politicians planning to attend against using the occasion to stir ethnic or political tensions.
Church leaders involved in the funeral preparations also weighed in, warning strongly against the politicisation of the ceremony.
They emphasised that the burial should remain a solemn occasion focused on reflection, unity and peace rather than a platform for political mobilisation.
“The church is clear, this is not a campaign rally. This is a time to mourn, to console the family and to remind ourselves of the values of unity and peace,” said Bishop Elijah Mwangi.
He added that Kenya’s painful history should serve as a constant reminder of the dangers posed by divisive and inflammatory politics.
Mwangi cautioned that funerals, especially those attended by high-profile leaders, must not be exploited for political gain, noting that such practices risk reopening old wounds and undermining national cohesion.
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