UPDATE:

Makueni County was plunged into grief following the shocking and unexpected death of Makueni County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Dr. Sonia Nzilani, who served as the Member for Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture, and Tourism.

A sombre mood engulfed the Montezuma Monalisa Funeral Home on November 22, 2025, as family, friends and leaders from both Makueni and Machakos counties were gathered to receive her body.

Nzilani is said to have passed on at her home in Makindu on November 21, under circumstances that the authorities are now investigating.

Leading the procession, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr expressed deep sorrow and disbelief at the unexpected death, describing her death as” shocking and deeply unexpected.”

He said that only days before, Dr. Nzilani had appeared “so healthy, vibrant, and energetic.”

Mutula assured the public that the county government would cooperate with her family to establish the actual cause of death once the postmortem examination is completed.

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He paid an emotional tribute to the late CECM, calling her “a pillar of development” and “a passionate environmentalist whose devotion towards progressive and sustainable Makueni was unmatched.”

The governor continued, “We have lost more than CECM; we have lost a key stakeholder and a true champion of our community.”

Nzilani was an impressive scholar and professional who had established a career before joining the county government.

Career and Professional Excellence

She was a Lecturer and Head of the Department of Hydrology and Aquatic Sciences at South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) ,where she was widely respected for her expertise and commitment to research and training.

She was a Ph.D holder in Natural Resources and Life Sciences from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Austria.

She also earned two Master’s degrees: Water and Coastal Management at the University of Cadiz, Spain and Environmental Assessment and Management at the University of Bologna, Italy.

Her academic journey began at Moi University, where she pursued Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences at the undergraduate level.

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A prolific researcher,Nzilani published over 10 academic papers, which collectively garnered 52 citations, demonstrating the impact of her work in Aquaculture, Fisheries, Climate Change, and Natural Resource Management.

Over a career spanning 17 years, she worked in local and international consultancy, capacity building, auditing, and training, bringing development programmes across Kenya and beyond.

She also played a key role in implementing Training and Capacity Building programs under NUFFIC,the Netherlands organization for international Co-operation in Higher Education.

Champion of Community Empowerment

Outside of the academic field and government, Nzilani was also an ardent supporter of community empowerment.

She was the Founder and Chairperson of the Kibwezi Center of Sustainability, which is a registered NGO that encouraged Education, Public Health, and Environmental Conservation in underserved communities.

National Leaders Join in Mourning

Her passing has drawn tributes from leaders across the nation, including President William Ruto, who mourned her in a message shared on X, stating:

“Our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and people of Makueni following the passing of Dr. Sonia Nzilani, who served as the County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture, and Tourism.

Her commitment to public service and her passion for environmental conservation touched countless lives.

She inspired many through her dedication to the growth of the county and her efforts to promote sustainable development.

May her legacy encourage us all to work together for a greener and more prosperous future for Makueni and the nation. Rest In Peace.”

Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi, who’s also present at the Montezuma, praised Nzilani for her efforts to strengthen social and economic ties between the two counties.

Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, along with several CECMS and Chief Officers from both countie,s also attended to pay their respects.

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Governor press service at Makueni County
Image/@Mutula Kilonzo Jnr/Courtesy