"Joel touched many lives," Family, friends pay tribute to Kariobangi North MCA Munuve

The air was heavy with sorrow as friends, colleagues, and family gathered at the All Saints Cathedral to bid farewell to Kariobangi North MCA Joel Munuve - a man remembered not just for his political courage, but for his quiet strength, sharp mind, and unwavering service to his people.

The mood was sombre. Some wept silently, others clutched folded programs bearing his image.

Speaker after speaker rose to honour a man they described as rare, the kind of leader who never shied away from truth, who stood tall in a crowded room, not for attention, but for principle.

Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Ken Ng’ondi, visibly moved, reflected on how deeply Munuve had influenced his own path to leadership.

“For the period I have known Munuve, every tribute is a true reflection of who he was and what he stood for. He enabled me to become the Speaker. His one vote showed he had faith in me,” he told mourners.

Despite being elected on an independent ticket, Ng’ondi said Munuve had shown that independence could come with integrity and purpose. “He proved that one needs to stand out, but stand out with good reasoning.”

The Speaker described Munuve’s work in the assembly as nothing short of outstanding.

He raised 37 statements on the floor, a number that, to those familiar with the legislative process, speaks volumes about his diligence and determination.

“Members of the assembly, you know what it means to raise 37 questions. That’s not just participation — that’s leadership,” he said.

He pledged that all the projects Munuve had started in Kariobangi North would continue.

“We have released his soul and put his family in prayers. As Speaker, I will ensure that all the programmes he began run smoothly.”

From the family, John Kimanzi, Munuve’s brother, took the podium with a soft voice and a strong faith.

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“We are a faithful family, and we leave everything to God. There are some tests we are waiting for, and once they are back, we shall update you,” he said.

His words carried the weight of loss, but also of hope, the kind that holds a family together even in the darkest times.

Also present was Big Ted, who offered a more personal tribute, stepping away from politics to remember the man behind the title.

“I don’t know what you used to call him, but I knew him as Joel,” he began.

“Joel was my friend for many years, and he was very calm.”

Thomas Kwaka Omolo, popularly known as Big Ted, who was Munuve’s friend, recalled their time together, telling the congregation that within the friend’s circle he was known for the workouts, the karate sessions.

“Joel touched my life. I’m happy I met him, and he has an impact on my life. What is life and what are you doing with your life?” he asked the mourners.

Minority Leader and Waithaka MCA, Anthony Kiragu, who represented the legislators, termed Munuve’s death a deep personal loss.

“As an assembly, we have lost a colleague, a friend. Someone we really looked forward to seeing daily,” he said.

The UDA legislator recalled Munuve’s boldness, how he once stood before him and said, “Umetuuza.” Few had that kind of courage, Kiragu admitted.

“Joel was someone who could say what no one else could. His life is a testimony of how close death is,” he added.

The suddenness of Munuve’s death left many stunned.

On April 22, he complained of chest pains and was rushed to AAR Hospital along Kiambu Road, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

A post-mortem later revealed the cause of death as pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in the lungs.

Samples, including stomach fluids, organ fats and viral swabs, were taken to the government chemist for further testing.