Vocal Murang’a County MCA Kiiru Mbembe is dead

Cyrus Kiiru Mbembe, the MCA for Gaturi Ward in Kiharu Constituency, Murang’a County, is dead, the County Assembly Speaker Leonard Nduati Kariuki has confirmed.

Mbembe died aged 44 on Friday morning (September 4) at the MP Shah Hospital in Nairobi, where he was receiving treatment for liver disease.

The deceased is the second ward rep in Murang’a County to die while in office. In June 2016, nominated MCA Peter Kariuki died while still dispensing his official duties at the County Assembly.

Kiiru Mbembe was among the vocal MCAs in Murang’a County.

The deceased is survived by a wife and three children.

Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro described the late Mbembe as "courageous".

"Hon. Kiiru was known for the courage to speak out and his decisive leadership. His eloquence and brilliant contributions in the Assembly and charisma while engaging the public was unrivalled. My sincere condolences to his entire family," said Nyoro on Facebook Friday afternoon.

In January this year, Mbembe was among the MCAs who strongly defended President Uhuru Kenyatta against attacks by Kandara MP Alice Wahome, who -- at the time -- accused the Head of State of neglecting Central Kenya when it came to matters development.

Wahome had claimed in early January that President Kenyatta was an existential “threat to the nation” and alleged that there was a plot to keep him in power as Kenya’s prime minister, with Raila Odinga as the president.

Wahome, a close ally of Deputy President William Ruto, alleged that the plot -- through BBI -- was aimed at locking DP Ruto out of the presidency.

Mbembe was among the MCAs who accused the lawmaker of seeking popularity by attacking President Kenyatta.

He said Wahome’s “CDF [kitty] has received close to Ksh1billion and there is nothing tangible to show for it. Wahome should apologise to the President”.

His death comes a year after he lost his father.

More soon.