Former Mlolongo OCS Stephen Lelei was pronounced dead on the evening of Saturday, June 15 while receiving treatment at the Kiambu Hospital.
His family confirmed his passing to the press but did not disclose his cause of death. Lelei is recognised among the heroes who rescued victims during the Westgate Mall attack in 2013.
Friends and family mourned the former police officer alongside leaders such as former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko who sent a condolence message to the family.
"Rest in Peace Westgate attack hero cop Stephen Lelei," Sonko stated.
Notably, Lelei is among the officers who were honoured by former President Uhuru Kenyatta for their heroic action during the 2013 terror attack.
Lelei was among the first response teams to the scene when the terrorists attacked. Also known as Ocampo, the officer was shot in the leg during the attack as he waited for another response team.
After the gunmen were neutralised and other hostages rescued, Lelei was awarded the Silver Star medal by Uhuru. He also received numerous promotions due to his bravery and leadership.
Kenya lost over 60 individuals who were at the shopping mall during the incident. The attack also left the popular mall destroyed.
Besides his heroic actions, Lelei was named among the accused officers in the murder case of lawyer Willie Kimani in 2015. He was, however, freed after three other officers were found guilty and sentenced.
Additionally, in 2022, Lelei was arraigned in court for yet another murder case. The Director of Public Prosecution approved his murder charges.
Lelei's death comes as Kenya is mourning the loss of Reggae MC Njambi Koikai and her father Daniel Koikai, comedian Fred Omondi and Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti who lost their lives in the past week.
