On the morning of Saturday, February 7, 2015, Kabete Member of Parliament (MP) George Muchai was returning home from a family gathering at a restaurant in Westlands. Muchai was in a silver Toyota Fortuner, accompanied by his driver, Stephen Wambugu, and two of his bodyguards, Samuel Mwandia and Samuel Kimathi.
His family, including his spouse and daughter, was traveling in a separate vehicle ahead of him.
As Muchai’s vehicle slowed at the Kenyatta Avenue-Uhuru Highway roundabout, a Mercedes-Benz station wagon rammed into it from the front, forcing him to stop.
Moments later, masked gunmen emerged from the vehicle and opened fire, killing the politician, his driver and bodyguards instantly. A briefcase that was in Muchai’s vehicle was stolen by the assailants.
The nation soon learned of the Kabete MP’s passing. Leaders from across the political divide expressed their condolences, including then-President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Kabete MP George Muchai Murdered
Uhuru described Muchai as a true servant of the people. He called on the police to mobilize all resources to ensure that the criminals who murdered Honorable Muchai, his two bodyguards, and his driver to be apprehended.
Raila Odinga described Muchai’s killing as shocking, brutal, and as a shock for the entire nation.
“On behalf of my family, the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD), the ODM party, and on my own behalf, I wish the families of the late Muchai, his aides, relatives, and the people of Kabete God’s strength and courage during this trying moment,” Odinga said.
During Muchai’s funeral, several leaders urged the government to expedite the investigation into his murder. Some accused the leadership of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) of orchestrating the MP’s assassination.
Thika MP Alice Ng’ang’a revealed that a year before Muchai’s death, he had mentioned that if he were to die, six officials from COTU should be blamed.
“In November last year, in front of cameras, George said that ‘if I die today, these six officials from COTU should be asked why I died’,” said the Thika legislator.
On his part, then Gatundu Legislator Moses Kuria expressed his desire to see the prominent figures from COTU in handcuffs.
“From the discussions we had, there is no doubt that Muchai’s death is linked to the challenges we face in the trade union movement in this country,” Kuria stated.
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Labour Cabinet Secretary Kazungu Kambi also supported the claims made by the legislators.
However, COTU quickly responded, saying it was disturbed by the allegations. The organization stated that attempts to associate Muchai’s death with COTU would be most unfortunate and a diversionary tactic meant to distract Kenyans from the true circumstances surrounding his death.
Prior to his passing, George Muchai held the position of Deputy Secretary General of COTU, working under Francis Atwoli. During his tenure, Muchai had significant disagreements with various leaders, including Atwoli.
Kabete MP Claims Powerful People Want Him Dead
In 2014, there were attempts to oust him due to allegations of unethical conduct. Muchai famously stated that if he were ousted, it would spell the end for Atwoli.
Before his death, Muchai had planned to file a petition to remove six COTU officials and had expressed concerns for his safety, reporting that he had received death threats. He stated that certain individuals were trying to eliminate him and would use claims of adultery as a scapegoat if he were to die.
“I have filed a petition seeking the removal of six key officials: the Secretary General of COTU, the Chairman General of COTU, the Treasurer General, the first signing trustee, and two other trustees. These are the people who opposed my leadership in COTU and who wish to eliminate me while attributing my elimination to a bitter husband or adultery,” Muchai declared.
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Recently, the COTU Secretary General addressed the allegations linking him to Muchai’s murder, asserting that the murder case is still open and inviting anyone with evidence to present their findings to the relevant authorities.
“My sister Martha Karua, why are you not disturbed by the false claims made by Hanifa Farsafi regarding the murder of George Muchai, who was my Deputy at COTU (K)? As a Senior Counsel, you should know that the file on the murder of the late Brother Muchai is still open. You ought to have advised Hanifa that if she has any material evidence or ‘alternative facts,’ she is free to present them to the relevant authorities,” Atwoli wrote, in a reply to allegations levelled against him.
Seven people were arrested in connection with the politician’s murder. Recently, the prosecution closed its case against the seven suspects involved. A judgment date is expected to be set soon, bringing the case that has lasted for about 11 years closer to resolution.
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