Former Nairobi County Executive for ICT, Newton Munene, has been found dead at his home in Karen, Nairobi, under unclear circumstances. His body has been moved to Lee Funeral Home as investigations begin into the cause of death.
Munene was among the three key witnesses in former Governor Mike Sonko’s corruption case, and had testified just last week, alleging that officials from a previous administration had falsely implicated Sonko in corruption allegations that led to his impeachment.
Reacting to the news, Sonko expressed shock and outrage, describing Munene’s death as “an act of cowardice” and alleging that his former aide had been targeted for testifying in his defense.
“It is deeply regrettable that the cartels have retaliated by taking Munene’s life, If my accusers have any evidence against me, they should face me in court not silence innocent people who choose to speak the truth,” Sonko said on Facebook on Friday, October 10.
Sonko further claimed that several of his former county executives who had volunteered to testify on his behalf were being threatened and intimidated to withdraw from the case.
“No level of intimidation or threats will deter me from seeking justice,” he added.
Police have not yet issued an official statement on the incident, but sources indicate that investigations are underway.
Munene served as ICT CEC during Sonko’s administration and was a central figure in the former governor’s defense, recounting how powerful individuals from the previous regime allegedly summoned him and other county officials, urging them to frame Sonko in corruption claims to facilitate his ouster.
There are allegations that a week ago, former Nairobi County Finance CEC Allan Igambi, who was also among the key witnesses in the same case and testified in court last week, was attacked by four unidentified assailants, leaving him with head injuries.
As the case proceeds, five more former CECs are expected to testify in support of Mike Sonko, claiming that he was framed in corruption allegations that led to his impeachment and the subsequent takeover by the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS).
