Editor's Review

The deceased was a key witness in a corruption case involving former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko.

Former Nairobi CEC for ICT Newton Munene has died in Nairobi.

His body was found late Friday, October 10, in his house in Karen, Nairobi.

The cause of the death was not established immediately. 

Munene served during former governor Mike Sonko's tenure.

The deceased was a key witness in a corruption case against Sonko. He was testifying in defence of the former governor.

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Sonko was dragged into the case involving the Nairobi County government and Web Tribe Ltd, JamboPay's parent company.

At the centre of the case is a controversial contract awarded to the company to enhance online payment systems for the county services.

Millions are reported to have been dissipated in the JamboPay procured system.

Newton Munene was discovered dead at his home in Nairobi.

Munene was testifying in defence of Sonko, arguing that the former governor was opposed to the contract signed under the administration of his predecessor, Evans Kidero.

Sonko mourned Munene after learning of his mysterious death.

He immediately linked the death to the case. Sonko suggested the death was planned by the cartels using the case to frustrate him.

"Munene's death occurred just a week after he provided testimony as my defense witness in a case, in which I have been wrongfully accused regarding Webtribe's Jambo Pay contract. It is deeply regrettable that the cartels have retaliated by taking Munene's life. I want to make it clear to the public that this act is one of cowardice and must be condemned in the strongest terms possible," Sonko said.

He stated that he would be intimidated through such acts as murder of his defence witnesses.

Sonko further alleged that more of his witnesses had been threatened not to testify in the case.

Despite such, he vowed to fight for his innocence in the matter.

"I refuse to bow to threats, intimidation and coarsion while innocent individuals are murdered for exercising their constitutional right to defend me. Furthermore, I have reliable information indicating that some former CECMs (ministers) who served under my leadership and who have volunteered to be my defence witnesses are being threatened and intimidated to stop coming to court to testify. No level of intimidation or threats will deter me from seeking justice," he said.

Munene's body was ferried to the Lee Funeral Home.