Defiant Mwingi North Aspirants Take Turns to Woo Mourners at a Burial

By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT 

L-R: Ms Irene Martha Munyoki,  younger sister to former Mwingi North MP Mr John Munuve [c] and youthful MP Mwingi North MP aspirant Ms Harriet Muthui during a burial held in Kyuso on Saturday.  |MWINGI TIMES 

Former MP John Munuve, his younger sister Irene Martha Munyoki and youthful aspirant Harriet Muthui took turns addressing mourners during the burial of Aaron Wambua Musya, popularly known as Kisinga, a long-serving teacher who had retired from service.

The political undertones emerged despite a caution by Master of Ceremonies Theophilus Mutemi, who had urged speakers to respect the solemn occasion. 

The three aspirants nevertheless appeared eager to impress mourners and win support ahead of next year's polls.

Munuve, who previously represented the constituency in Parliament, said his experience made him a suitable candidate and declared his intention to reclaim the seat in 2027. “I harbour no hatred, and I have no scores to settle. I am seeking the seat because I fit the bill. Even in school examinations, learners remain in class regardless of whether they are top performers or poor performers,” he metaphorically said.

He also urged residents to accept money and other items distributed through community empowerment initiatives by President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance operatives, but vote for Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka. "All these things belong to us. Do not hesitate to receive them. They should reach the intended beneficiaries, and our people should receive the same quantities as those provided at the source,” Munuve said.

He argued that with Kalonzo, who hails from the region, seeking the presidency, residents should not abandon him in favour of any other presidential candidate.

Munyoki said she had recently been distributing items through community empowerment initiatives associated with UDA, adding that she was preparing to contest the Mwingi North parliamentary seat in the coming election.

Muthui, the youthful aspirant who styled herself as a Gen Z candidate, promised accelerated development if elected MP. She drew laughter from the mourners when she pledged to tarmac roads across the constituency, including footpaths leading to people's kitchens.