Residents of Teso North were urged to refrain from speculating about the death of Malaba Deputy OCS, Tobias Gerald Opaye Murunga, as Deputy County Commissioner Samson Kitai and his security team sought to clear the air on Tuesday. Murunga, who would have turned 40 today, was laid to rest at his Kawalun residence in Kakemer, with hundreds of mourners attending the emotional burial, where he was honored with a 21-gun salute.
Speaking at the funeral, DCC Kitai emphasized the need for patience as investigations continue into Murunga’s sudden death. He urged that speculations should not be part of the grieving process for family and relatives. “Give us time, and the truth will unveil itself,” said Kitai, who has served as DCC in Amagoro for six months. He called for anyone with information about the case to come forward and meet with the OCS for further discussion.
The police’s efforts to clarify the situation followed growing discontent from Teso leaders, who objected to initial reports that Murunga had died in a motorcycle accident at Ketebat area along the Malaba-Akichelesit-Angurai road. Teso North OCPD, Charles Chepkong’a, confirmed the preliminary findings but acknowledged the family's dispute over the cause of death. “We shall do all within our powers to determine the cause of death,” he assured the public.
Subcounty Criminal Investigations Officer, Wesley Lagat, assured residents that the investigations were ongoing and encouraged everyone to remain patient while the truth is determined. Meanwhile, ACC Meshack Mogoria also urged mourners not to speculate on the cause of the Deputy OCS’s death, acknowledging the tragic loss but emphasizing that it was in God's hands.
Busia County CECM for Culture, Sports, and Gender, Olung’a Paul Ekwenye, also called for a thorough investigation into the death of Murunga, as well as the recent death of IP Churchil Omanyala, which remains unexplained.
Former councillor Ikwaras Okabose added his voice to the call for transparency, urging detectives not to victimize anyone who may have information to assist in the ongoing investigations.
Murunga, who had been in good health until a serious road accident on September 13, 2022, while on state duty, had recovered his right leg but was left permanently incapacitated. According to the eulogy, Murunga had spent the last day of his life escorting his wife to Malaba, before going for a haircut and later watching a football match at Winkers Lounge. His final communication with his wife was at 7:20 p.m., and at 4:22 a.m. the following day, he was found dead. His body was later taken to LifeCare Morgue in Bungoma.
A dedicated officer, Murunga had served in various capacities within the General Service Unit (GSU) before his recent posting as Deputy OCS to Malaba in October 2023. He had previously undergone basic recruitment training for nine months and Inspectorate training in 2021.
At his funeral, officers from Malaba Police Station, where Murunga had worked for 15 months, gave him a 21-gun salute. The National Police Service Chaplain, Daniel Kiptoo, led the sermon based on Revelation 14:13, 21:8, and Daniel 12:1-2, offering solace to the grieving family and community. Four Bishops from the Anglo Church of East Africa, including Dean Julius Tulienge, Bishop Jackson Ongonĝa, Bishop Joab Imwene, and Bishop Geoffrey Egesa, presided over the burial service, providing spiritual comfort and encouragement to mourners.
As investigations continue into the mysterious death of the beloved officer, the community remains hopeful that the truth will soon emerge.
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