Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called for national unity and restraint amid rising insecurity concerns, as he joined family and friends in mourning Anita Kendi Murungi, the daughter of former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi.
Speaking on Wednesday during a requiem mass held in Karen, Nairobi, Kindiki described the death as a devastating loss to the family, noting that the pain of losing a child is immeasurable.
“The loss of a child is the most painful experience for a parent, and no amount of consolation is enough to comfort my brother Kiraitu and his family. May God comfort them,” Kindiki said.
Anita Kendi Murungi, the youngest daughter in the family, died on May 14, 2026, after a short illness. The family has not publicly disclosed further details surrounding the cause of her death.
Kindiki used the solemn occasion not only to convey his condolences but also to address broader national concerns, linking the period of mourning with a call for peace and stability across the country.
“As we reflect on the loss for this and other grieving families around our country, I plead that we all work together regardless of political or other differences to protect the peace, stability and security of our homeland,” he said.
The Deputy President expressed concern over recent incidents of unrest, warning against criminal elements exploiting legitimate public grievances to engage in unlawful activities.
“The despicable acts of arson, robberies, and even deaths occasioned by opportunistic criminals taking advantage of otherwise legitimate expression of grievances should jolt us to condemn all those who threaten our country’s future,” Kindiki stated.
His remarks come against the backdrop of heightened political tensions and isolated incidents of violence reported in parts of the country in recent weeks, raising concerns about public safety and cohesion.
Leaders across the political divide have continued to send messages of condolence to the Murungi family, describing Anita as a young woman whose life was cut short at a promising stage.
The requiem mass brought together political leaders, family members, and close associates, reflecting the wide network of relationships built by the Murungi family over the years.