Double tragedy for Ichung'wah in loss of father, uncle two days apart

National Assembly Majority leader Kimani Ichung'wah speaks during women empowerment program at Scott Christian University in Machakos town on June 6, 2025. John Muia, Standard National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah has always worn the face of a strong man, but this month has not been kind to him after losing two close relatives. On Tuesday, Nakuru politicians joined Ichung'wah and his family in Mang'u, Rongai, for the funeral of his uncle, James Ikinu Ngugi, who died on September 2. Ikinu's death was quickly followed by that of Isaac Ichung'wah Ngugi, the father of Ichung'wah, who died on September 4. His funeral is slated for this weekend. "The two brothers loved each other all their lives. My uncle Ikinu died on Tuesday at the age of 91, and on Thursday, the same week my dad passed on aged 105," said Ichung'wah. While in the recent past it has been typical of Kenyans mocking leaders once they are bereaved, Ichung'wah yesterday wore a brave face to respond to such comments. "You can see that those two men were blessed with a long life. Those who are being disturbed by me, be ready. I will as well be around for a long time," Ichung'wah sai, breaking the laughter among the mourners. The Majority Leader was, however, quick to urge Kenyans to cultivate cohesion and unity among themselves, warning against ethnic divisions. "Until my adulthood, I never heard my uncle speak in Kikuyu. He always settled in areas with diverse communities and spoke Swahili as a universal language. Let us emulate him and shun tribalism," said Ichung'wah. Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika described Ichung'wah's moment as heartbreaking for losing key pillars in the family in a span of days. "When I see you here today, knowing that we are yet to lay your father to rest too, I can only say that grace has been upon you. You still stand strong despite the double loss," said Kihika. While referring to recent ethnic clashes in Njoro on the border of Nakuru and Narok Counties, Kihika used the platform to urge communities to embrace each other. "Let us all shun anything that may drive a wedge between us as communities. Let us dedicate our lives to live as peace-loving citizens who respect our diversity," said Kihika. Nakuru Town West MP Samuel Arama, who eulogised the late Mzee Ikinu as a man who lived his life fully and was an astute businessman. "As Nakuru leaders, we doubted that you would make it to this funeral after your father passed on. Your presence is a show of family unity which all of us should emulate," said Arama. Arama called on the Mt Kenya community to shun leaders seeking to alienate themselves from the government. "Lately, we have witnessed a lot of politicking. My advice to the Mt Kenya region is to follow your leaders who are in government, who are best placed to champion for what you need," said Arama. The sentiments were echoed by Nakuru Town East MP David Gikari, who described Ichung'wah as a visionary leader for the Mt Kenya region. "As a people from Mt Kenya and the country, let us put peace in front of everything. Let us respect government leaders and allow them to show us the way," said Gikaria.

Double tragedy for Ichung'wah in loss of father, uncle two days apart

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Double tragedy for Ichung'wah in loss of father, uncle two days apart

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