Veteran politician Kiraitu Murungi has emotionally spoken about the pain of losing his lastborn daughter, Anita Kendi, revealing that he would hide in the toilet to cry so his wife would not see him break down.
Kiraitu shared the deeply personal account during Anita’s burial ceremony, days after she died on May 14 following a sudden illness.
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The former Meru governor said the loss had shaken him in ways he never expected, despite his standing as an elder in the Njuri Ncheke council and a seasoned political leader.
“My wife was almost crying all the time, and because I am a Njuri Ncheke, I would go and hide in the toilet and cry there and come out looking a bit strong,” he said.
Kiraitu Murungi // FacebookSudden illness turned tragic.
According to Kiraitu, Anita had returned from a public health conference complaining of a headache and nausea. Concerned about her condition, he took her to the hospital for tests and treatment.
She reportedly returned home later that night, appearing stable, and went to sleep. However, at around 4am, the family was awakened after her condition suddenly worsened.
They rushed her to the hospital, but doctors pronounced her dead shortly after arrival.
Kiraitu said Anita had grown beyond being just his daughter and had become someone he deeply admired intellectually.
“Anita ceased to be my daughter; she became my intellectual companion and sometimes a competitor,” he said.
Loss changes Kiraitu’s outlook on life.
The politician also revealed that the mourning period had changed how he views people, especially political rivals.
Kiraitu said many unexpected visitors had come to comfort his family, including leaders he had publicly clashed with in the past.
Among them was Kawira Mwangaza, whom he said visited his home despite their long-running political rivalry.
“From now on, you will not hear me insult anyone,” Kiraitu said.“She has made me discover positive aspects of humanity.”
Kenyans react online
Kiraitu’s emotional confession triggered widespread sympathy online, with many Kenyans noting how grief humbled the veteran politician and expressing support for his openness about private pain.
Many social media users were moved by his honesty about crying privately while trying to remain strong for his family, and he called for empathy and unity.
“Life can humble even kings. Let us love, respect, and stand with one another,” one user wrote.
Another added:
“Pole sana to the entire family. May the peace of God keep them.”
Some users reflected on the pain of losing a child, describing it as one of the hardest experiences a parent can face.
“Losing a child can be the worst thing that can happen to anyone,” another comment read.
Others noted that Kiraitu appeared calmer and more reflective in recent years.
“I like this new version of Kiraitu. Very mature, very calm and collected,” one user said.
Kiraitu Murungi // FacebookA history of emotional public moments
Kiraitu’s remarks also revived memories of a past burial controversy in Meru involving accusations that politicians only appeared during funerals after failing to help families earlier.
In 2022, mourners in Igembe Central rejected a Sh20,000 contribution sent by Kiraitu during the burial of Mercy Kendi, a woman who had reportedly spent months in hospital.
At the time, East African Legislative Assembly MP Mpuru Aburi criticised leaders for contributing after death instead of assisting while the deceased was alive.
The earlier incident has resurfaced online as Kenyans reflect on grief, leadership, and public empathy following Anita Kendi’s death.
