Laikipia East Member of Parliament Mwangi Kiunjuri has dismissed allegations that his daughter was involved in the tragic fire at Moi Girls High School in 2017, which resulted in the death of ten students. The narrative, which recently resurfaced online, claimed that the girl responsible for the fire has been walking free despite being sentenced to five years in February 2022. Kiunjuri has labeled these reports as false and malicious, accusing his political rivals of exploiting a tragic event for political gain.
Denial and Condemnation
Taking to social media platform X, Kiunjuri categorically denied the allegations, stating, “Let it be known to all the perpetrators of this reckless, insensitive, and inhumane falsehood that I have NEVER had a daughter or a relative at Moi Nairobi Girls.” He emphasized that the dissemination of such false information is not only damaging to him but also deeply insensitive to the parents and relatives of the victims, whose pain is being reignited by these baseless claims.
Kiunjuri expressed his deep sympathy for the families affected by the tragedy, condemning the exploitation of such events for political purposes. “My heart goes out to the parents who lost their children in this unfortunate incident and whose scars continue to be opened afresh each time in the name of people politicking,” he said. He called for a stop to the use of tragic events as tools for political scoring, labeling it as both insensitive and inhumane.
Clarification on the Convict
Addressing the specifics of the case, Kiunjuri pointed out that the parents of the girl convicted for the fire are known, and anyone interested in verifying their identity can visit the school for details. The convict, who was 14 years old at the time of the incident, was housed in Kabarnet dormitory, where the fire broke out. The fire occurred shortly after students returned to school from a holiday break, leading to a devastating loss of life.
In February 2022, Justice Stella Mutuku handed down a five-year sentence to the girl, noting the severity of her actions despite her status as a minor. Justice Mutuku highlighted the importance of accountability, even for minors, in such serious cases.
Political Context
Kiunjuri’s rebuttal comes in the wake of increasing political tensions and rivalries, where personal attacks and the spread of false narratives have become common tactics. By distancing himself from the allegations and condemning the actions of his rivals, Kiunjuri aims to maintain his political integrity and protect the memory of the victims and their families.
A Call for Sensitivity and Responsibility
In his statements, Kiunjuri emphasized the need for sensitivity and responsibility when discussing tragic events. He urged the public and his political adversaries to consider the impact of their words and actions on those directly affected by such incidents. The use of falsehoods for political gain, he argued, not only disrespects the memory of the deceased but also adds to the suffering of their loved ones.
As the narrative continues to unfold, it remains crucial for all parties involved to prioritize truth, compassion, and accountability. Kiunjuri’s firm denial and call for humane consideration serve as a reminder of the importance of integrity and respect in both political and public discourse.
