Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung'aro is in mourning after the loss of his father, who tragically passed away on June 15, a day set aside to celebrate fathers.
In a heartfelt post shared on his official social media on Sunday, the Kilifi County boss expressed deep sorrow at the untimely loss, describing the moment as particularly painful given the day’s significance.
“Today, on Father’s Day, I lost my father. It’s a deeply painful moment, but I’m truly grateful for the love, support, and prayers from family, friends, and all who’ve reached out. Your kindness is helping us through this difficult time. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart,” he wrote.
The message sparked an outpouring of condolences from Kenyans, fellow leaders, and supporters, many acknowledging the weight of losing a dad on a day meant to celebrate them.
Governor Mung'aro has since shared images of himself and some acquaintances at the Kilifi County Hospital Funeral Home, where his late dad's body was being kept.
Details surrounding the cause of death or funeral arrangements had not been made public at the time of this publication.
In the wake of the governor's announcement, the Orange Democratic Party, which was the political vehicle in which Mung'aro won his gubernatorial seat, has since shared a message of condolence, hailing the deceased as a 'great man'.
"On this Father’s Day, a great man has slept. Ex-Chief Gideon Baya Mung’aro a man who made the modern Malindi and Dabaso what it is today," a statement from ODM read.
"To our comrade Gideon Mung’aro and the entire Mung’aro family and the people of Kilifi County, poleni sana for the loss."
This is the latest tragedy rocking Kilifi county involving a senior government official. On April 1, former ODM Chairperson in Magarini, Kilifi County, Ahmed Maamun Ali passed away in a death which was described as sudden.
Weeks later, on June 2, former Kilifi County Executive Committee Member Alphonce Mwambura lost his life nearly eight years after he left his job in the public service.
Tokali's passing was confirmed by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, who hailed him as a public servant who worked with "utmost diligence and respect".
