Bishop Kiengei pens emotional message after presiding over Karangu Muraya’s brother’s burial
By Steve Ireri, April 23, 2026Jesus Compassion Ministries founder Bishop Ben Kiengei has paid tribute to the late Paul Kareithi Muraya, describing him as a hard-working and self-reliant man, after presiding over his burial in Murang’a County.
In a message shared on Facebook on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Bishop Ben reflected on the life and character of the deceased, noting that Paul had built his life through dedication and resilience.
He described him as an industrious individual who worked tirelessly as a long-distance truck driver, using his skills and determination to support and raise his family.
“Paul Kareithi Muraya was an industrious man who worked tirelessly and brought up a family through long-distance truck driving. He lived an independent life on manoeuvring skills and electrical motor engineering,” he wrote.
The cleric further highlighted Paul’s independence, stating that he navigated life through practical skills, including expertise in electrical motor engineering, which contributed to his livelihood and personal growth.
Bishop Ben confirmed that he led the final rites during the burial ceremony held in Kagio-ini, Kiriaini, in Murang’a County, where family, friends, and mourners gathered to bid farewell to the deceased in an emotional send-off.
“Today I presided over his final journey on earth in Kagio-ini kiriaini in Murang’a County,” he wrote.
He also extended his condolences to the bereaved family, particularly addressing his long-time friend, Karangu Muraya, urging them to remain strong during the difficult period of mourning. He expressed hope that the family would find comfort and healing, while offering a special message of strength to the late Paul’s mother as she copes with the loss.
“To the Muraya’s family, led by my best long-time friend Mr Karangu Muraya, may God comfort your family and may your mom get the strength. God will heal the wound and replace the gap left,” he added.
Untimely passing
The accident left him bedridden and in need of intensive medical care, with his condition requiring multiple hospital admissions over a period of more than a year.
Throughout his illness, his brother Karangu Muraya kept the public updated on his condition, often appealing for support as hospital bills mounted into the millions.
Despite undergoing numerous medical interventions and a resilient 14-month fight for recovery, his condition deteriorated, leading to his death while receiving treatment at Mathari Hospital in Nyeri.
His burial in Kagio-ini village, Kiriaini, Murang’a County, drew a large crowd of mourners, including family, friends, gospel ministers, and notable public figures. The ceremony was marked by emotional scenes, particularly from Karangu, who was visibly overwhelmed with grief during the final viewing of his brother’s body at the funeral home.
Among those who attended the burial were prominent religious leaders and public figures, including Bishop Ben Kiengei of Jesus Compassion Ministries, who presided over the ceremony, Reverend JJ Gitahi of Priesthood Church, gospel singers Mary Lincoln and Ben Githae, as well as political figures such as Moses Kuria.
Other notable attendees included Charity Waruinu, Ann Njambi, Reverend Joy Benson, and aspiring politician Kogi Investor.
The burial also captured public attention after an emotional moment when a woman interrupted the proceedings to seek help over an unpaid hospital bill, prompting Moses Kuria to pledge financial support, adding another layer of emotion to an already sombre occasion.