Puzzle of former Thika Mayor buried in a rush at function attended by family only

Puzzle of former Thika Mayor buried in a rush at function attended by family only

The family of former Thika Mayor Douglas Mundia has dismissed claims that they buried him in secret.

The former mayor who died on Thursday, February 13 aged 88 had been battling a long illness.

His death caught many residents from the busy town unawares and word on his death got out long after he had been interred in a private function.

Family spokesman Isaac Munene said the former civic leader was laid to rest according to his wishes at their rural home in Kang’oo village, Gatundu North on Monday.

Prior to his death, Mundia is said to have called family members and said he did not wish for his body to be preserved in the mortuary once he died.

Munene said that, in accordance to their father’s wishes, they agreed to honour him and buried him on the fourth day after his demise in a private ceremony.

He dismissed as malicious claims that Mundia was buried hurriedly and secretly under unclear circumstances allegedly impelled by family disagreements.

Instead, he said all the children of Mundia’s four wives participated in the burial ceremony presided over by a pastor.

He added that the family and the burial committee is organizing a memorial service to be held at the Thika stadium on Friday February 28.

David Njihia, a former mayor, also chairing the burial committee said that both county and national leaders are expected at the ceremony that will see leaders and residents of Thika pay their last respects.

Mundia was elected the first mayor of Thika in 1968 and served in that capacity for four terms.

He left the seat in 1992 after quitting the then ruling party Kanu to join the opposition.

He will be remembered for pioneering major developments in Thika town among them the setting up of Thika Stadium, establishment of Thika town hall, planting of trees, churches, development of industries alongside other infrastructural developments.

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Former Thika Mayor Thika Mayor Douglas Mundia

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