5 Prominent Kenyans Who Died Mysteriously After Raising Alarms on Their Safety

Over the years, a number of prominent Kenyans have publicly or privately raised concerns about their safety. Tragically, some of them died under mysterious circumstances not long after sounding the alarm.  

Their deaths shocked the nation and left behind more questions than answers. Here’s a look at notable figures whose lives were cut short in unsettling and unexplained ways. 

Charles Ong'ondo 

The late Kasipul Member of Parliament (MP) Charles Ong'ondo Were had claimed his life was in danger, two months before he was gunned down in Nairobi.  

In February 2025, the lawmaker lamented over the rising cases of violence in his constituency. 

He cited an instance where goons had blocked a road he was using to attend a funeral, adding that his convoy was attacked.  

"I went to a funeral in Got Nyang'o, and after the funeral, the road was blocked and I could not pass. Luckily enough, I had security.

"The following day, at a funeral in Nyatindo, immediately I arrived there, one of the notorious criminals stated that I would not talk there. The villagers there are angered, and what happened is being investigated," he said.

According to the police, preliminary reports indicate that he shooting was planned and premeditated.

“The nature of this crime appears to be both targeted and premeditated. At this stage, it is too early to provide further details. Senior police commanders and detectives are at the scene, piecing together the circumstances surrounding the death,” the police stated.

George Muchai

Former Kabete MP, the late George Muchai, was gunned down in February 2015 in Nairobi's CBD as he was heading home around 2:30 a.m. 

Muchai, his two bodyguards, and a driver, who were in a Toyota Fortuner, were murdered at the Kenyatta Avenue-Uhuru Highway roundabout.  

Reports indicate that Muchai, one bodyguard, and the driver were shot at close range and died in their seats. One of the bodyguards died as he tried to step out of the car.  

Following Muchai’s assassination, reports surfaced that he had previously raised concerns about his safety. Legislators who visited his home to offer condolences revealed he had recorded a statement with police about threats to his life.

"If Honourable Muchai recorded a statement with the police stating that his life was in danger, and nothing was taken seriously, clearly someone is sleeping on his job," MP Alice Ng’ang’a said.

Muchai had also survived an earlier attempt on his life in October 2011, which left him hospitalised for several days. After being discharged, he said, "I will not be intimidated by anything. I will continue defending the workers."

Before entering politics, Muchai served as deputy secretary general of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU).

Jacob Juma

On the night of May 5, 2016, outspoken Kenyan entrepreneur and government critic Jacob Juma was shot dead in Nairobi.

His car was found in a ditch with multiple bullet holes, but none of his personal items, like cash, phones, or his watch, were stolen, indicating that the killing was not a robbery but a well-planned assassination.

The suspicious circumstances at the scene fueled speculation that Juma might have been killed elsewhere and his car driven to the place it was discovered.

Prior to his murder, Juma had used social media to express fear over his life, frequently blaming it on his open criticism of corruption and mismanagement in government.

In several tweets, he had said he feared for his life and even named senior officials he believed were plotting to kill him.

His eerie messages and the unresolved nature of his murder raise some very uncomfortable questions regarding political accountability and justice in Kenya.

Mutula Kilonzo

Mutula Kilonzo, the late Senator for Makueni County and a prominent lawyer, was found dead on April 27, 2013, at his Kwa Kyelu ranch in Machakos County.

A government investigation attributed his death to internal hemorrhage caused by extremely high blood pressure, induced by ingesting pseudoephedrine (nasal decongestant) as well as caffeine. 

Despite this official explanation, the sudden way he died and his bluntness and outspokenness in national politics sparked widespread conspiracy theories and enduring questions about whether foul play was involved in his death.

Following his death, close personal friends revealed that he had expressed immense fear for his life. His wife, Nduku Kilonzo, also explained that he became very cautious, not allowing strangers into the house and muttering, "My life is in danger." 

She also mentioned past threats, like a cold 2009 letter that read, "Mutula Kilonzo, breathe your last," and a 2012 incident where a woman told him she had been sent to kill him. 

His son, Mutula Kilonzo Jr., would later describe the death as "a well-organised elimination followed by a cover-up." 

Former Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama also said Mutula had repeatedly expressed fear of his life to him, further fueling public speculation. 

Tony Ndilinge

In August 2001, Tony Ndilinge, the then Kilome MP, was shot dead in Githurai 44, Nairobi, at around 5 a.m. His body was found slumped in his Mitsubishi Pajero, where he had been shot twice in the head at close range. 

Although the nature of the attack was brutal, his belongings were found on him, ruling out robbery as the motive. 

In the weeks leading up to his death, Ndilinge had expressed fears for his safety. He reportedly informed colleagues and the Speaker of Parliament that he was being trailed by unknown individuals.

The then Yatta MP Francis Chole alleged that Ndilinge's pleas over threats to his life had been ignored.

Two suspects were charged after his death, but were subsequently acquitted due to a lack of evidence, and the case was never resolved.