Death of Mutula Kilonzo

Mutula Kilonzo died at his ranch in Maanzoni, Machakos County. He was not sick or suffering at the time of his death. His death shocked many people and was mourned by Kenyans of all walks of life. The cause of his death were scanty at the time of his death.^[1][2][3]

Preceding Event

Detail of his daily schedule for prior day and day of death were given as follow;^[4]

On Friday of 27 April 2013

• 3pm: Arrives at his Maanzoni ranch driving himself
• 4pm-6pm: Inspects the ranch and gives instructions on maintenance
• 7pm: He is served githeri for dinner but orders nyama choma
• Retires to bed after dinner

On Saturday 27 April 2013

• Breakfast is served but senator still in his bedroom
• 10am: Worker finds breakfast untouched. Calls senator but there is no response
• Workers open bedroom and find senator lying motionless
• 12pm: Senator pronounced dead

Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama had said that he had lunch with Mutula Kilonzo on Thursday where he claimed their life was in danger. They had lunch together with David Musila and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at the Norfolk Hotel on Thursday 25 April 2013 afternoon. He spoke on the floor of the senate. Nominated Senator Beth Mugo dismissed Muthama remarks and termed them "largely unfounded".^[5]

Kithure Kindiki claimed that Mutula Kilonzo 'seemed and looked almost sorrowful' the whole week.^[6]

Death

Kilonzo died at his farm bordering Maanzoni lodge on Mombasa road Machakos County on 27 April 2013.^[7][8][9]

Mutula's body was found tucked in bed with foam in the mouth. There were also indications that the lawyer had vomited and samples were collected for analysis. Besides the pathologists, detectives have engaged experts at the Government Chemist to examine the pills and other samples found on the premises.^[10]

Investigation

Investigations into Senator Mutula Kilonzo's death have ruled out a heart attack and have narrowed down to a likelihood of poisoning. Massive internal bleeding and a finding that all his internal organs were intact was a pointer to the presence of a toxin. An examination of the body had revealed that both the arteries and the heart had not been ruptured as is normally the case when one suffers a heart attack, the source said.^[11]

Detectives investigating the death were exploring the presence of a mysterious visitor at his Maanzoni home during his death. Upon questioning farm manager, a cook, a supervisor and the housekeeper police claim they gave inconsistent report two claiming there were a visitor while other did not mention the visitors. Also it was claimed that the Senator had woken up early and spent about 30 minutes at the swimming pool within the compound home.^[12]

Reaction and Condolences

President Uhuru Kenyatta sent condolence to the family eulogising kilonzo as "one of the country's most brilliant minds, a principled politician and a renowned lawyer." His deputy William Ruto described eulogised him that he ' was an astute and dependable politician whose impact in the legal profession and in the democratisation of this country cannot be overemphasised.'. They later visited the family at their home in Gigiri Nairobi.^[13]

Former president Mwai Kibaki described Mutula that he was a 'commitment to the national good’^[14]

The former president Daniel arap Moi described the late Senator as an accomplished lawyer and a true servant of the people who freely gave with a smile.^[15]

Kofi Annan said Mutula's legacy will be his commitment to the reform agenda of Kenya, most especially constitutional and electoral reforms, and his steadfast pursuit of putting an end to impunity and upholding the rule of law.^[16]

While attending a burial of Mrs Grace Syokwaa Kavali in Tseikuru location, Mwingi, Kitui County Kalonzo Musyoka was overcomed by grief and cried uncontrollably upon informing mourner of the death of Mutula Kilonzo. He later went to Mutula.s home at Maanzoni to comfort his family. He was joined by Raila Odinga, Johnstone Muthama and other local leader.^[17]

Conspiracy Theory

Rumours had been circulating around about his death. They range from the ridiculous to the plausible.^[18]

With high profile deaths remaining unexplained or partially explained. From Pio Gama Pinto, Tom Mboya, JM Kariuki, John Robert Ouko, George Saitoti and Joshua Orwa Ojode, Oscar Kamau Kingára and John Paul Oulu, Erastus Kirui Chemoreithe real hand behind their deaths has somehow remained hidden or unknown. People wondering whether there are hyper-secretive group of powerful people playing both devil and God with people's lives?^[19]

On his Weekly article Prof Makau Mutua wondered whether Kilonzo was an ICC witness against the Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto.^[20]

Autopsy

The postmortem examination was conducted by seven doctors, led by the chief government pathologist. The autopsy was conducted at Lee Funeral Home.^[21][22]

• Dr Johansen Oduor – chief government pathologist
• Dr Dorothy Njeru – deputy chief government pathologist
• Dr Calder Ian Maddison – British pathologist who flew to Kenya at the family's request
• Dr Luke Musau – Family Doctor
• Dr Emily Rogena – Family Doctor
• Dr Frederick Okinyi – government pathologist of Machakos where he died
• Dr. Andrew Kanyi Gachie – Family forensic pathologist

Autopsy was also witnessed by Machakos senator Johnstone Muthama.

They agreed on preliminary findings.

Former Chief Government pathologist Dr. Geofrey Zambezi Mutuma questioned delay in the release of postmortem report. Dr.Mutuma differed with the colleagues over the period they gave before the release of final report. Pathologist promised to deliver a detailed report within a period of between eight and ten weeks.^[23]

Burial

He will be buried on 9 May at his home in Woyani village, Utangwa location, Makueni County in line with his wishes.A requim mass will be held on 8 May at the Nairobi Baptist Church.^[24]

See also

Kethi Kilonzo

References