Murang’a governor out of office for a month after heel injury

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Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata will be out of physical office engagements for about one month after injuring his heel tendons during a nutrition partners’ meeting in Nairobi.

In a statement, the Murang’a County Government said the Governor tripped while attending a meeting convened by Nutrition International, a Canadian government-supported global organisation that works with national and county governments to strengthen nutrition and public health programmes.

“His Excellency was today attending a Nutrition International meeting in Nairobi when he unfortunately tripped and sustained an injury to his heel tendons,” the county said.

Following medical assessment, doctors advised the Governor to temporarily step back from physically demanding engagements.

“After evaluation, he has been advised to remain away from physical office engagements for approximately one month to allow for full recovery,” the statement added.

Nutrition International is a global health organisation funded by the Government of Canada and other partners, focusing on improving maternal and child nutrition, vitamin supplementation, and strengthening health systems.

In Kenya, it collaborates with county governments--including Murang’a--to implement nutrition interventions aimed at reducing stunting, anaemia and other diet-related health challenges.

County officials said the meeting in Nairobi was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen nutrition and public health programming at the county level.

Despite the setback, the Governor is expected to continue leading county affairs virtually.

“Official meetings via online platforms will continue from Monday,” the county government said, signalling that service delivery will not be interrupted.

Where physical representation is required, Deputy Governor Stephen Munania will step in.

“Where the Governor’s physical presence is necessary, the Deputy Governor will represent him,” the statement clarified.

It added that County Executive Committee Member for Finance Prof Joseph Kiarie will handle designated engagements as appropriate.

“Murang’a County Government appreciates the continued prayers and support from residents and stakeholders and wishes the Governor a speedy recovery.”

The temporary absence comes at a time when Murang’a is scaling up public health and nutrition initiatives, making the Governor’s participation in the Nairobi meeting a reflection of the county’s focus on preventive health and social welfare programmes.