Kirinyaga County has been thrown into mourning following the death of its first Deputy Governor, Julius Muthike Njiri.
He served between 2013 and 2017 alongside Governor Joseph Ndathi during Kenya’s inaugural devolved government term.
Governor Anne Waiguru confirmed his passing on Tuesday evening, describing him as a leader who “stood for service, knowledge, and enterprise.”
She conveyed her condolences to his family, colleagues and all those whose lives he impacted.
“Kirinyaga has lost one of its founding county leaders, Hon. Julius Muthike Njiri, who served as our first Deputy Governor. He stood for service, knowledge, and enterprise. My condolences to his family, colleagues and the people whose lives he touched,” Waiguru stated.
Njiri came into office in 2013 after being elected on a TNA ticket alongside Joseph Ndathi during the first devolved government elections.
Both service and friction marked his time in office, as he frequently clashed with the governor.
In 2016, he complained publicly about being sidelined, claiming he had gone for months without official duties.
He further alleged that his fuel and transport allowances had been withheld and that he did not have an official car, contrary to constitutional provisions.
This led to tensions between the two leaders, with Njiri stating he would not work with Ndathi again, citing mistreatment.
Upon his exit from office, Njiri pursued further studies, earning a PhD in Business Administration from Miramar California University in 2022. He had earlier obtained a Global MBA in 2018 and a Global Executive MBA in 2011 from the United States International University.
In addition, he held a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Nairobi, which he earned in 2008.
The family has yet to release the cause of his death, as well as the burial arrangements.
