By Reuben Olita
Deputy County Commissioner Teso North, Samson Kitai, and his security team on Tuesday told area residents to stop speculating on the death of Malaba Deputy OCS, Tobias Gerald Opaye Murunga.
Murunga, who turned 40 years today was laid to rest at his Kawalun residence in Kakemer location, attended by hundreds of mourners, which saw the late Murunga given a 21-gun salute.
Mr Kitai noted that speculations should not be part of family or relatives. Those with evidence can book an appointment with the OCS and divulge anything they know about the death of the Deputy OCS.
” Give us time, and the truth will unveil itself. Kitai, who is six months old at the DCC headquarters in Amagoro, said.
The police chiefs were forced to clear the air following discontent from Teso leaders who objected to preliminary police reports that Murunga died from a motorcycle accident at Ketebat area along Malaba-Akichelesit- Angurai road.
Teso North OCPD Charles Chepkong’a said preliminary investigations, had indicated the Deputy OCS died as a result of a motorcycle accident, which the family is disputing
” We shall do all within our powers what caused the death of IP Murunga. As NPS, we were the first to get shock. We assure the family we shall carry out thorough investigations.” he said.
Subcounty Criminal Investigations Officer, Wesley Lagat, issued an assurance that investigations are ongoing, thus the need by residents to maintain patience.
ACC Meshack Mogoria told mourners not to speculate, although the Inspector died premature death, noting that God created all of us and the deceased left very young children and wife too.
Busia County CECM for Culture, Sports and Gender, Olung’a Paul Ekwenye said the SCIO Should also investigate the death of IP Churchil Omanyala who died barely a month ago with no report on the cause of his death.
Former councillor Ikwaras Okabose said they need the truth in Murunga’s death, urg!ing detectives not to victimise anybody with information that might assist in the investigations.
KNUT Teso Executive Secretary Geoffrey Ekasiba said they want their teachers to be safe. Last year, they buried a teacher in Chakol, and on Tuesday, they buried the son of a veteran teacher, thus the need for justice.
TSC Commissioner Dr Nicodemus Anyang urged the police to unravel the mysterious deaths, especially of teachers in the county, recalling that Tobias was an index two student when he was the then Principal at Moding High School.
The late Murunga had good health until 13th September 2022 when he was involved in a grissly road accident while on state duty. Although he recovered his right leg, he was permanently incapacitated.
According to the eulogy, Murunga left his Kawalun home on Sunday, 2nd 2025, to escort his wife to Malaba to board a bus back on duty. He proceeded to Malaba town for a haircut and later to watch football match at Winkers Launch.
Murunga made his last communication to his wife at 7:20 p.m., the same day. At 4:22 a.m., Murunga’s widow received a call that her husband had passed on, and his body was taken to LifeCare Morgue Bungoma.
Murunga was recruited into the General Servive Unit, where he underwent basic recruitment training for nine months. In 2021, he underwent Inspectoral Training. He was transferred to GSU headquarters Ruaraka. In October 2023, he was posted to Malaba as Deputy OCS.
The late Murunga was given a 21-gun salute by officers from Malaba Police Station, where he worked for 15 months since his last posting from GSU headquarters in Ruaraka, Nairobi.
National Police Service Chaplain, Daniel Kiptoo, led the sermon based on Revelation 14:13, 21:8, and Daniel 12:1-2, which encouraged the bereaved and rescue the community from sin.
Four Bishops from Anglo Church of East Africa whose main office is in Bungoma presided the burial service whose choir electrified the mouners. They included Dean Julius Tulienge and Bishops Jackson Ongonĝa (Mumias), Joab Imwene ( Malakisi) and Geoffrey Egesa ( Uganda).
