Newton Munene, a former member of the Nairobi County Information Communication Technology Executive Committee, was found dead at his Karen home in unclear circumstances, days after testifying in a corruption case involving former Governor Mike Sonko.
On Saturday October 11, Sonko announced Munene's death, saying he had passed away on the night of October 10, 2025. The cause of death had not been confirmed at the time of publication.
In a statement, Sonko sensationally claimed that cartels were behind Munene's death, linking it to his recent testimony as a defence witness in a corruption case.
“I have received the sad news of Mr. Newton Munene's passing with profound shock. He was a member of my Nairobi county executive for the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector.”
“Mr. Munene's death occurred just a week after he provided testimony as my defence witness in a case in which I have been wrongfully accused regarding [a] contract," Sonko said.
Sonko also condemned the incident as cowardly and stated that he would not be intimidated or coerced.
“If my accusers possess any evidence linking me to acts of corruption, they should confront me in a court of law.”
“In the meantime, I refuse to bow to threats, intimidation and coercion while innocent individuals are murdered for exercising their constitutional right to defend me,” Sonko added.
He added that other former County Executive Committee Members who served under his administration who had volunteered to testify in his defence were facing threats and intimidation aimed at preventing them from appearing in court.
"I have reliable information indicating that some former CECMs who served under my leadership and who have volunteered to be my defence witnesses are being threatened and intimidated to not come to court to testify. No level of intimidation or threats will deter me from seeking justice," part of his statement reads.
Munene was among three key witnesses who testified and defended Sonko in case at the Anti-Corruption Court in Nairobi.
Munene's body was moved to Lee Funeral Home.
