Githunguri MP’s Controversial Condolence Message Sparks Debate
Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba has found herself in the center of a heated controversy after posting a message of condolence following the death of Sammy Nganga, a staff member of Kiambu County. The lawmaker used the opportunity to criticize Governor Kimani Wamatangi’s administration, accusing it of mismanagement in the health sector.
Wamuchomba, who is known for her vocal criticism of the governor’s leadership style, eulogized Nganga, an employee and close ally of the governor. According to reports, Nganga died of a heart attack while receiving treatment at Igegania Hospital in Gatundu North. In her post, the MP highlighted Nganga’s loyalty to Governor Wamatangi and his unwavering support for the administration, even when others raised concerns about the leadership.
She also pointed out that Nganga had worked with the Wamatangi Foundation, which provides free services such as water tanks, transport, and computer training to the community. Wamuchomba claimed that Nganga died while defending what she described as a failed healthcare system.
“Sammy (Nganga) hailed from Gaturi, Gathanji Village, Nyamathumbi, Mang’u Ward and was known for his loyalty and commitment to defending Governor Kimani Wamatangi’s administration. He often criticised those who sought to hold the governor accountable, insisting that Kiambu’s health system was functional. Tragically, the same system he passionately defended has now failed him, claiming his life in the most painful irony,” read the MP’s post.
The MP added that Nganga’s death was a painful reminder of how systems can fail their people and called for accountability. She challenged the county government to fix the healthcare system to save lives.
“This heartbreaking loss exposes the grim reality of a collapsed healthcare system in Kiambu County, where neglected facilities, drug shortages, and poor service delivery continue to claim innocent lives. The County Government of Kiambu has failed its people, and Governor Wamatangi must take responsibility for this tragedy,” said Wamuchomba.
However, many of her followers were not impressed with the message. They accused the MP of using Nganga’s death for political gain, creating a “fake narrative” against the Kiambu health sector.
Some social media users expressed their disappointment, stating that the message was insensitive and lacked empathy.
@Wamatha Ndungu said:
“Kindly remember there are very close people who are mourning Sammy… He was a husband, daddy…. name it…He was not neglected; he passed while undergoing treatment…Be human.”
@BSP Simon Boro added:
“May our dear brother rest in Peace. We should avoid politics in some cases, such as death; let us pray for God’s Comfort to the bereaved family. We pray for all in authority. No one is perfect…in due time, every work will be tested…Counting.”
@Godhasplansfor Patrick Kibe wrote:
“With all due respect…Hon. Gathoni Wamuchomba, the passing of Sammy wa Wamatangi is a heartbreaking loss that deserves compassion, not politicisation.”
At a time when family and friends are grieving, it is unfortunate to turn such a tragedy into a platform for blame and political point-scoring. True leadership is shown through empathy, unity, and constructive action, not public attacks during moments of pain,” said Obadia Karanja.
“When your time to die comes, you will die; no one will stop you from dying, because there is one who holds the soul,” said Kinuthia Wa Kibichoi.
Is Kiambu Healthcare Working?
Kiambu County has been grappling with a healthcare crisis since June 2025, when doctors went on strike, leaving a significant gap in medical services across the county. The situation worsened when the Ministry of Health transferred 697 interns to other counties.
Governor Wamatangi responded by hiring 78 new medics to mitigate the crisis, but critics argue that the situation has not improved significantly. A recent report by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) revealed that over 100 newborns died in Kiambu during the doctors’ strike.
The report indicated that 68 newborns died at Kiambu Level 5 Hospital between May and August 2025. In September alone, Thika Level 5 Hospital recorded 34 newborn deaths. Five maternal deaths were reported during the same period.
However, Kiambu County Chief Officer of Health Services Patrick Nyagah dismissed the report, arguing it was fabricated and exaggerated to portray Kiambu healthcare as failing. He claimed that services in all health facilities have remained uninterrupted, and the county government has taken steps to ensure continuity of services.
Last month, Wamatang’I accused a section of lawmakers and activists from the county of colluding with KMPDU officials to undermine his efforts to improve healthcare in Kiambu. Nyagah echoed the governor’s frustrations, arguing that the healthcare situation in Kiambu had been politicized for personal gains.
He emphasized that data from the Ministry of Health shows that Kiambu is among the counties with the lowest newborn mortality rates in the country. The latest report indicates that Kiambu recorded an average of 8 neonatal deaths per 1,000 live births, compared to the national average of 17 per 1,000.
Nyagah also criticized the health ministry for allegedly undermining the county government’s efforts to deliver services to the people, citing the withdrawal of 697 interns as an example. He urged the ministry to refrain from unnecessary involvement in the county’s health sector.
