Sonia Nzilani: Makueni CEC dies days before marrying her newly found love

Makueni Trade Executive Committee Member (ECM) Sonia Nzilani, who died on November 22,2025, was due to marry a Mbooni-based businessman.

Dr Nzilani was found dead at her Makindu home, Makueni County. She was to tie the knot with the businessman, and was looking forward to the occasion.

A source privy to the wedding plans disclosed that Nzilani, a mother of two, was excited about her newly found lover. The would-be pride groom is eyeing the Mbooni parliamentary seat.

The environmentalist locally known as "Syomiti" due to her passion for tree planting had of late kept to herself, avoiding the public limelight following an embarrassing comment she made early this year. It is not clear what triggered the cardiac arrest that night.

"The 45-year-old Dr Sonia Nzilani died from cardiac tamponade caused by a ruptured heart. The rupture led to a lot of bleeding because we found 200ml of blood had been released into a heart surrounding sack. She had been battling a heart condition for 12 years which led into her untimely death," Dr Ancent Kituku, the family doctor, told journalists on November 24 during a press briefing at Montezuma Monalisa mortuary, Machakos County.

According to Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr, the autopsy had erased any lingering suspicions, although they had noted a physical mark on her face.

On November 21, the deceased met her doctor in Kitengela where she underwent routine check-ups before being dropped home in Makindu with a promise of more assessments after a tree planting exercise that she was to grace in Masongaleni of Kibwezi East.

But Nzilani did not wake up the following morning.

The outgoing Nzilani, who often boasted about her beauty, joined the county government of Makueni in 2022 as one of the youngest ECMs. She would be moved across departments before landing at the Trade docket.

Public outrage

In January, Nzilani hit headlines following her remarks that crocodiles get attracted to women experiencing the menses. She went on to advice women is those situations to keep off rivers.

Nzilani was attending a burial of a school girl in Kitise, Makueni constituency, who had died following a crocodile attack when she advised parents to desist from sending their daughters to fetch water in River Athi while menstruating. The remarks sparked public outrage, prompting Governor Mutula to suspend her.

Upon reinstatement, Nzilani maintained a low profile. Before being appointed ECM, she served as lecturer and head of department of Hydrology and Aquatic Sciences at South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU), Kitui County.

She had a PhD in Natural Resources and Life Sciences from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Austria.

She had acquired two Master's degrees in Water and Coastal Management and Environmental Assessment and Management from Cadiz University (Spain) and the University of Bologna (Italy).

Nzilani did her undergraduate degree in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences at Moi University in Eldoret.

President William Ruto led the country in mourning her.

Prosperous future

"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," wrote Dr Ruto on his X account.

Nzilani's efforts in restoring the then degraded Kiu catchment in Makindu to help in addressing Makindu township water shortage and environmental damage since 2022 had caught the attention of the President.

Through Kibwezi Well-wishers, Nzilani had, for years, led in environmental conservation through tree planting, seed balls broadcasting in rocky-bare hills, cleaning of markets and initiating pollution control programmes.

"Through her we have been able to educate more than 100 students, restored Kiu catchment and Mang'elete wetland. We have led many programmes including distribution of sanitary pads aiming at keeping girls in school," said Geoffrey Musyoki, a resident of Kibwezi.

Mutula described her as a humble person who served with integrity and dedication, regretting that her death was both a blow to her family and the entire Makueni fraternity.

"This is a big blow to the family and friends because she was depended on by her family, colleagues and the people of Makueni. On behalf of my wife Anita, I and the people of Makueni, we condole with the family. It is a difficult moment and we pray that her soul rests in peace," Mutula said.