President William Ruto has joined leaders from across the country in mourning the death of Dr. Sonia Nzilani, the Makueni County Executive in charge of Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism. Nzilani was found dead in her Makindu residence on Saturday morning, a discovery that prompted a wave of tributes from county and national officials.
The President described her as a committed public servant whose work in environmental conservation earned national admiration.
In his statement, Ruto said:
“Our sincere condolences to the family, friends and people of Makueni following the passing of Dr. Sonia Nzilani… Her commitment to public service and her passion for environmental conservation touched countless lives… May her legacy encourage us all to work together for a greener and more prosperous future for Makueni and the nation.”
Nzilani’s death occurred at a time when counties continue to play a central role in implementing national climate and sustainability programmes under devolution. Makueni, long known for its strong community-led environmental projects, had increasingly relied on Nzilani’s department to advance local tourism, market development and conservation efforts.
Her absence from a planned tree-planting activity on Saturday raised the initial alarm, leading her driver to seek help after being unable to reach her.
According to reports confirmed by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., the CEC was discovered unresponsive in her room after officers gained access through a window.
Medical responders later pronounced her dead, and her body was transferred to Montezuma Monalisa Funeral Home in Machakos pending a post-mortem. County officials noted that she had sent a message the previous night indicating she was feeling unwell.
Before joining the county cabinet, Nzilani built a career in academia and environmental advocacy.
She served as a lecturer and head of the Hydrology and Aquatic Sciences Department at South Eastern Kenya University.
Through the Kibwezi Centre for Sustainability, an organisation she founded, she led community clean-ups, seed-ball distribution campaigns and wetland restoration activities across the county.
Her work had made her a visible figure in regional conservation circles, with residents nicknaming her “Syomiti” due to her involvement in local tree-planting drives.
Earlier this year, she had been temporarily suspended over controversial public comments, but was reinstated after issuing an apology—an episode that reflected the increasing scrutiny on county officials as devolution reshapes political accountability.
Investigations into her death are ongoing, with county authorities urging the public to await the results of the autopsy.