Former Kirinyaga Deputy Governor Julius Muthike Njiri, who served in the county’s first administration between 2013 and 2017, has died.

Governor Anne Waiguru confirmed his death Tuesday evening on her official X account, describing him as a leader who “stood for service, knowledge, and enterprise.”

 She added, “My condolences to his family, colleagues, and the people whose lives he touched.”

Njiri served as Kirinyaga County’s inaugural Deputy Governor from 2013 to 2017, alongside Governor Joseph Ndathi, under The National Alliance (TNA) ticket. As one of the region’s pioneer devolved leaders, Njiri played a central role in shaping the county’s early governance structures

He is remembered as one of the architects of Kirinyaga’s devolved governance.

Njiri’s term was marred by a rocky relationship with Governor Ndathi. He publicly complained about being sidelined, alleging that he was assigned no meaningful duties throughout 2015. He accused Ndathi of deliberately marginalizing him politically, stripping away official entitlements such as transport and fuel allowances, and even the official vehicle—claims Ndathi vehemently denied.

After leaving office, Njiri pursued further studies, earning a PhD in Business Administration from Miramar California University in 2022, a Global MBA and Global Executive MBA from United States International University in 2018 and 2011, and a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Nairobi in 2008.

He was later shortlisted by the Public Service Commission for the chairperson of the Universal Service Advisory Council.