In a chilling twist to an ongoing corruption case, former Nairobi County Executive Committee Member (CEC) for ICT, Newton Munene, has been found dead at his home in Karen, Nairobi.
Police confirmed that Munene’s lifeless body was discovered late on Friday, October 10, though the cause of death remains undetermined pending a post-mortem examination.
Munene served in the administration of former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, and had recently testified in Sonko’s defence in a high-profile corruption case involving the county government and Web Tribe Ltd, the parent company of JamboPay.
At the centre of the case is a disputed multi-million shilling contract awarded to JamboPay to manage the county’s online revenue collection system. Investigators have alleged massive losses and irregularities in the deal, while Sonko maintains that the controversial contract was signed under his predecessor, Evans Kidero.
Sources close to the former governor said Munene’s testimony was crucial in supporting Sonko’s claim that he had opposed the contract after taking office.
Reacting to the news, Sonko expressed shock and anger, linking Munene’s mysterious death to the ongoing court battle.
“Munene’s death occurred just a week after he provided testimony as my defence witness in a case in which I have been wrongfully accused regarding Web Tribe’s JamboPay contract,” Sonko said in a statement. “It is deeply regrettable that the cartels have retaliated by taking Munene’s life. This act is one of cowardice and must be condemned in the strongest terms possible.”
The former governor alleged that his witnesses have faced escalating threats and intimidation aimed at derailing his defence.
“I refuse to bow to threats, intimidation or coercion while innocent individuals are murdered for exercising their constitutional right to defend me,” he added. “Furthermore, I have reliable information indicating that some of my former CEC members who have volunteered to testify are being threatened. No level of intimidation will deter me from seeking justice.”
Police have launched investigations into the death, as detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) comb the scene for clues.
Munene’s body has since been moved to the Lee Funeral Home as authorities prepare for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
His passing adds a new and unsettling dimension to a case that has already attracted intense public interest and revived debate over corruption, political intrigue, and the safety of key witnesses in Kenya’s justice system.
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