In the last two decades, the deaths of Kenyan leaders while in office have sparked widespread public suspicions. Despite some of these deaths occurring under natural circumstances, the public has continued to attribute the tragedies to political motives. Below is a list of such five deaths that raised questions among Kenyans.
George Saitoti
Saitoti’s sudden death in a tragic plane crash along with his assistant Orwa Ojode continues to dominate public conversations about government positions, loyalty, and safety of leaders.
He died while serving as Minister of Internal Security. The late Saitoti’s sensitive position in government, as well as his ambitions for the 2013 elections, could have induced Kenyans to attribute his death to political battle.
Mutula Kilonzo
The late Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo’s unexpected death in 2013 at his home was linked to a serious heart attack by alleged official medical reports. Despite this, Kenyans still expressed doubts, with public conversations surrounding ICC-related issues as the cause of his demise. Before his death, Mutula was Senator of Makueni, having previously served as Minister for Justice.
Joseph Nkaissery
At the time of his death, Nkaissery was in charge of National Security, a sensitive docket that many Kenyans believe could have determined his fate. Widespread suspicions also questioned the timing of his death, most especially because it occurred just weeks ahead of the 2017 elections.
Tom Mboya
Up to today, the death of Tom Mboya, a key Kenyan independence leader, has remained unanswered.
The late Minister for Economic Planning was assassinated on July 5, 1969, at the age of 38. He was shot on Government Road (now Moi Avenue) in Nairobi.
Charles Were
While a Member of Parliament for Kasipul, Were was shot by armed men in April 2025 while on a traffic stop. His tragic death sparked public debates, seeing as he had been a William Ruto diehard before switching allegiance to the Opposition.
