Mama Rachael Kituyi’s Obituary Sparks Debate Over ‘One Family’ Holding Top Govt Jobs

The death of Mama Rachael Nakhumicha Kituyi has ignited fresh political debate over the distribution of government appointments within the Luhya community, after her funeral announcement listed several prominent public officials among her close relatives.

Mama Rachael, who died on June 20, 2026, aged 90, was described in the family announcement as the matriarch of an extensive family with relatives occupying senior positions in government and public service.

The obituary identified her as a grandmother, aunt, or relative to several notable state officers, legislators, and public officials.

According to the funeral announcement, Mama Rachael was grandmother to Cabinet Secretary Debora Barasa, while her extended family also includes National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Presidential Advisor Harriet Chigai, Industry Principal Secretary Juma Mukhwana, Office of the President official Beverly Opwora, Tongaren MP John Chikati, nominated MCA Luke Opwora, Nancy Barasa and Waningilo Walubengo, who was recently shortlisted for the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) chairperson position.

Obituary Revives Political Conversation

The obituary, widely circulated on social media, quickly became the subject of political discussion after users on X linked the extensive list of prominent relatives to long-standing concerns over government appointments.

One X user, identified as @HammerHamm026, argued that the funeral announcement had revived questions surrounding how senior government positions have been allocated within the Luhya community.

“The passing of Mama Rachael Nakhumicha Kituyi has reignited debate over political appointments within the Luhya community, with critics arguing that many influential positions have been concentrated within one extended family,” the X user wrote.

Also Read:Mudavadi Says President Ruto Will Win by a Big Margin and Break Supreme Court Petition History

The user further claimed that the Kenya Kwanza administration’s pledge that the Luhya community would receive 30% of government appointments had not translated into broad regional representation.

“Critics further contend that the 30% share of government appointments that the Kenya Kwanza administration promised the Luhya community has, in practice, largely benefited one family instead of being distributed fairly across the region,” he added.

The post went on to list several officials named in the obituary, including Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, CS Debora Barasa, Harriet Chigai, PS Juma Mukhwana, Beverly Opwora, Waningilo Walubengo, John Chikati, Luke Opwora and Nancy Barasa.

“The concentration of these appointments has raised questions among some leaders and members of the public about equity, inclusivity, and whether leadership opportunities are being shared fairly across the wider Luhya community,” the user concluded.

X Users Offer Mixed Political Reactions

The obituary generated hundreds of comments, with users expressing differing opinions regarding political representation within the community.

“Riggy G told people Kenya Kwisha was built on shares, but they labelled him a tribalist. Luhya’s shares are controlled by Papa wa Roma, who bargained profusely and largely; that’s why his cronies and relatives are in high places right now. Anyone from Bungoma knows this truth,” X user @muchiriih wrote.

“What is done in darkness… will be revealed in broad daylight… unknowingly…so ukisikia waluhya wako kwa gava..kumbe ni family moja tu,” another user, @kapaulkahumble, commented.

“The Luhya unity they speak about is for Wetang’ula and Mudavadi family to eat,itabidi watu wameamka,” X user @mufasathedorn added.

“Wetangula and his people holding all those positions, and they call it Luhya’s share? Mulembe people are not fools,” @vibewithkanja posted.

Another user, @Galslitu, argued that voters themselves bear responsibility for recurring political outcomes.

“Na hawafichi… Mta do? The same people complaining will wake up very early to vote them back and leave out a new person,” Galslitu said.

“Alafu wakitolewa job wanasema Waluhya wanaumizwa na Ruto, and foolish ones will support them not knowing it’s all about family,” @WereMilton wrote.

“It’s a LONG CON. People were right all along that Barasa is related to Wetangula. CONMANSHIP,” @TheChalkRabbi stated.

Also Read:How the Tachoni Became Part of the Luhya Community

Funeral Arrangements Announced

According to the funeral announcement, a requiem Mass for Mama Rachael will be held at Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi before fundraising meetings in Nairobi and at her rural home in Sichei-Nambaya Village, Bungoma County.

The cortege is scheduled to leave Lee Funeral Home on July 3 before an overnight vigil at her home, with burial planned for July 4 in Sichei-Nambaya Village, Chewele, Bungoma County.

The obituary describes Mama Rachael as the widow of the late Dickson Daniel Kituyi Kantisio and credits her with raising a large family whose members now serve in various sectors across the country.

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National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula joined mourners at Lumakanda Township Primary School in Lugari Constituency, Kakamega County, for the final journey of former Cabinet Minister Cyrus Jirongo. PHOTO/Wetangula X.