Lamu Deputy Governor Raphael Munyua laid to rest in emotional send-off

Lamu Deputy Governor Raphael Munyua Ndung’u has been buried at his home in Umoja, Lamu West.

Munyua, 46, died on September 6, 2024, while receiving treatment at the Nairobi Hospital Critical Care Unit. He had been admitted to the facility with a severe headache.

On Thursday, a sombre mood engulfed Umoja Village as hundreds of mourners gathered to pay their last tribute to the deputy governor.

President William Ruto sent his condolescence message, describing Munyua as a progressive leader who worked tirelessly for the greater good of the people of Lamu.

“Our love and prayers to the family, friends and the people of Lamu County at this sad moment,” stated the President in his message.

The burial was presided over by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who eulogised the late Munyua as a highly dedicated and development-oriented person.

“Munyua served the people of Lamu with utmost dedication, diligence and professionalism. My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and the people of Lamu. May God grant you strength and comfort,” said Gachagua.

Various leaders also sent their condolence messages.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said Munyua will be remembered for his dedication and selflessness in public service.

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi eulogised the late Munyua as a visionary leader.

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy described Munyua as a colleague and friend, adding that his departure has left an irreplaceable void in their hearts and in the leadership of Lamu.

Lamu Deputy Governor Raphael Munyua Ndung’u buried at his home in Umoja, Lamu West. (Farhiya Hussein)

According to Issa, Munyua was not just his deputy but a colleague and close friend, brother and a dedicated servant of the people of Lamu.

He added that Munyua's unwavering commitment to the development and prosperity of Lamu was evident in every task he undertook and his passion for uplifting the lives of the Lamu people was unmatched.

“As we mourn this great loss, let us come together as one people to honour his memory by continuing the work he so passionately believed in. Let us strive to build a peaceful and prosperous Lamu that reflects the values he stood for-unity, progress and compassion. May his soul rest in peace,” said Issa.

Emmanuel Kimwa, a resident, urged the Lamu people to let the death of Munyua be a unifying factor.

“As we mourn our beloved Deputy Governor, let us embrace unity and preach peace just in honour of our mheshimiwa,” said Kimwa.

The late Deputy Governor’s wife Stella Wawuda Tayo said, “I salute you for the strong faith you had in our Lord Jesus Christ. I have no doubt that you are in heaven. Go well beloved."

The late Munyua was born on November 19, 1978 in Umoja Village of Mpeketoni, Lamu County. He was the son of Solomon Ndung’u Njuguna and the late Mary Wangeci. He was the fourth born of nine children.

He was a brother to Bernard Kibe, the late Hanna Mwihaki, Harrison Muturi, Nahason Bjuguna, the late Leah Wangari, Regina Njoki, Daniel Njoroge, and Salome Wanjiku.

Munyua is a father to Jesse Ndung’u Munyua and Joseph Tayo Munyua.

He attended Umoja Primary School in Mpeketoni from 1987 to 1994. He then joined Mpeketoni Secondary from 1995 and sat for his KCSE in 1998.

He was admitted to Kenyatta University in 2003 to 2007 to pursue Bachelors of Commerce in Actuarial Science and later undertook a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (Strategic Management) at the same university.

Munyua worked in Zinduka Africa between 2006 and 2008 as a missionary, preaching the word of God and supporting communities in basic hygiene projects.

He joined Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) in 2008 where he worked in different capacities and rose to the rank of Credit Analyst.

In 2013, he resigned and joined politics, unsuccessfully vying to be the Deputy Governor for Lamu alongside Fahim Yasin Twaha.

In 2017, he was appointed as the County Executive Committee Member for Health in Lamu County.

In the 2022 elections, he was elected as the Deputy Governor for Lamu County, a position he held until his death.