Death of MCA Peter Weru throws locals into mourning again

Nyeri mourns again as MCA collapses and dies during speech

What you need to know:

  • Doctors at Outspan said efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.
  • Another MCA went into shock after learning of Mr Weru’s death. Mr Watson Mburungo was admitted at the same hospital where his colleague died.
  • Majority Leader James Kanyugo called for investigations into the death of his colleague.

Nyeri County is in mourning once again after a ward representative collapsed and died while delivering a speech during Tuesday’s Jamhuri Day celebrations.

Ruguru MCA Peter Weru died at Outspan Hospital after he suffered a heart attack.

Last month, the county lost its third governor, Dr Wahome Gakuru, in a road accident along the Thika-Nyeri highway.

The county’s first governor, Nderitu Gachagua, died in a London hospital last year after he fell ill.

SHOCK

Another MCA went into shock after learning of Mr Weru’s death. Mr Watson Mburungo was admitted at the same hospital where his colleague died.

“The Karatina MCA is in stable condition but details of his medical condition are confidential,” said County Assembly Speaker John Kaguchia. “He will be out of hospital today.”

Mr Weru was addressing ward residents at Nduduini Primary School, Mathira Constituency, when he became dizzy. He leaned on one of the posts supporting a tent near the podium but became weak and took his seat.

“Those sitting next to him loosened his tie and helped him to remove his coat,” said Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua, the late Governor Gachagua’s brother, who was at the ceremony. “We thought he would be fine but he began sweating.

He was taken to Jamii Hospital in Karatina.

According Mr Kaguchia, doctors at the hospital tried to stabilise him but his condition worsened.

Mr Kaguchia said he was transferred to Outspan Hospital in Nyeri town, which offers ICU services.

Doctors at Outspan said efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.

CRITICAL CONDITION

“He went into cardiac arrest when he was at Jamii Hospital and we also received him in a very critical condition,” said Dr Jeff Muigai, the medical officer in charge at Outspan.

According to Mr Gachagua, during his speech, Mr Weru outlined his development agenda for the ward. He described the MCA as a focused go-getter and dedicated leader.

“I had a very close working relationship with him,” said Mr Gachagua. “He had a great plans for his ward.”

Mr Weru, who was the chairperson of the Health committee, had attended a special sitting at the assembly on Monday and appeared to be in good health.

Mr Kaguchia described him as a friendly, reasonable and mature politician.

“Our prayer is that God spares the county from any other calamity,” he said.

Majority Leader James Kanyugo called for investigations into the death of his colleague.

In 2015, then-Laikipia County Majority Leader Ephraim Wachira collapsed and died while addressing residents during Jamhuri Day celebrations.