The sudden death of Makueni County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism, Sonia Nzilani, has been linked to fluid accumulation around her heart, postmortem results show. The report provides clarity on her unexpected collapse, offering her family and county officials much-needed answers.
Family doctor Ancient Kituku, who observed the examination on Monday, said Nzilani’s heart “burst and leaked a lot of blood,” causing pressure that prevented it from functioning properly. This condition, known as cardiac tamponade, occurs when fluid or blood gathers in the sac around the heart, stopping it from pumping effectively.
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., who received the report alongside Nzilani’s relatives and officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, said the findings addressed the questions that had lingered since her passing.
“It was a sudden death, and we had a number of questions that we wanted answered,” Mutula said. “She had a mark on the head, which raised suspicions. On her face, you could see she was pale, like someone without enough blood.”
The governor explained that doctors suggested Nzilani may have felt dizzy before she collapsed, which could account for the mark on her face. He emphasized that medical experts reassured the family that no foul play was involved.
“The family and DCI were here. There were many questions. I have been receiving a lot of calls from all over, and I am happy that we now have answers,” he said. “The family now has consolation that there was no foul play.”
Mutula revealed that Nzilani had been living with a heart condition for over a decade. “It was something she has been suffering from for the last 12 years,” he said, adding that the medical team confirmed it contributed to her sudden death.
News of her passing prompted condolences from across the country, including from President William Ruto, who praised her commitment to public service and the environment.
“Her commitment to public service and her passion for environmental conservation touched countless lives,” President Ruto said. “May her legacy encourage us all to work together for a greener and more prosperous future for Makueni and the nation.”
Nzilani had attracted national attention earlier this year after controversial remarks regarding crocodile attacks and menstruation, for which she later apologised.
She took office as CECM for Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism in February 2024, following her previous role in Lands, Urban Planning and Development, Environment and Climate Change.
Her influence extended beyond county boundaries. She chaired the Inter-County Planning Committee for the Konza Buffer Zone and led the Makueni County Environmental Committee. In 2018, she founded the Kibwezi Center for Sustainability, an NGO focused on community resilience and environmental protection.
