Former long serving KNUT Meru branch executive secretary and North Imenti MP Silas Muriuki is dead.
Muriuki, who was a renowned trade unionist and politician during his life time died Wednesday morning after a long illness.
The deceased passed on at around 5:30am at MP Shah hospital in Nairobi where he was undergoing treatment.
He died at the age of 74 years.
Muriuki served as the KNUT Meru branch executive secretary from 1986 until 2001 when he relinquished his NEC seat to vie for second vice National Chairman.
He was trounced during the elections but he remained as the executive secretary until his retirement in December 2003.
Earlier on the deceased had served as a BEC member between 1974 and 1986.
Prior to this, Muriuki worked as a teacher and was head teacher at Kaaga school for the deaf before plunging himself in trade unionism and politics.
Muriuki served as the North Imenti MP from 2013 to 2017 when he lost to the current MP Rahim Dawood.
Several leaders in Meru have sent their condolences terming Muriuki as a great leader who has positively touched the lives of many people in the community and left behind an enviable legacy worthy emulating.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi said he was deeply saddened by the news of the passing on of the former MP who he had the pleasure of serving with in the National Assembly.
” Muriuki was a gallant servant of the people who left an indelible mark wherever he went. His stint as Member of Parliament for North Imenti oversaw awakening in terms of development, a flame that burns bright to date.
As the KNUT Executive Secretary for Meru and a member of the KNUT National Executive Council, Muriuki touched many lives, as he did while serving as KANU Chairman, Meru Branch,” CS Linturi said in a statement.
The CS said Muriuki’s influence spread beyond the narrow confines of politics noting the deceased played a key role in the Methodist Church in Kenya as a leader, preacher and his leadership roles at the Kenya Methodist University (KEMU).
He said the country has lost a selfless and indefatigable trade unionist who tirelessly put others before self.
“I have personally lost a close friend and former parliamentary colleague. My thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to his family, constituents, and countrymen during this difficult time,” eulogized Linturi.
Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi termed Muriuki as a distinguished public servant and a tireless advocate of the people of Meru county.
The Senator said the community has lost a true statesman whose contribution to the region will be remembered for generations to come.
“In honour of his memory, let us strive to carry forward his legacy of service and continue working towards the betterment of our beloved county,” said Murungi.
Former Meru governor Kiraitu Murungi said Muriuki was a fearless and independent minded leader who dared the “King of Meru” Jackson Angaine in a titanic political battle for North Imenti parliamentary seat.
“It is with great shock and regret that I have received the sad news of the demise of my friend and colleague the late Silas Muriuki, the former MP for North Imenti.
During his time he also served as the Chairman of Meru Parliamentary Group and the Leader of the Mazingira Green Party. My most sincere condolences to his family, friends and the people of North Imenti,” said Kiraitu.
Kiraitu said Muriuki will always be celebrated as one of the greatest leaders of Meru.
During his tenure in the legislature, Muriuki served in the Finance, Planning, and Trade Committee.
He also served in the Meru County Assembly service board.
