Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police (SAIG) Gitiba Mwita was found dead at his rental house in Matuu Town, Machakos County, on Friday morning.
According to a police report obtained by Kenyans.co.ke, Mwita, who was also the Commandant Border Police Patrol Unit, fell unconscious suddenly at his home around midnight.
His colleagues were alarmed after they attempted to reach him on the phone, and he was unavailable. Further, they were also concerned after he did not report to his shift in the wee hours of the morning.
Conspicuous by his absence at work, the officers rushed to his home and found him lying on the floor unconscious.
The senior officer was transferred to Matuu Level 4 Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
"The body was moved to Umash Funeral Home pending autopsy," read part of the police report.
Mwita was the commandant of the Security of Government Buildings & VIP Protection Unit before he was transferred to the Rural Border Patrol Unit (RBPU).
At the Border Police Unit, Mwita contributed to national development through interdiction of terrorism activities, small arms control and reduction of cross-border crimes within and along ports of entry.
One of his last public appearances was his appearance before the Senate National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations chaired by Baringo Senator William Cheptumo in September this year.
Mwita warned Senators that poor road infrastructure was one of the major hindrances to the provision of security in the North Rift region.
“We still have a lack of motorable infrastructure and slow diplomatic engagement on the relocation of Nadapal to Nakodok, which is the designated crossing border point,” Mwita told the committee and urged Senators to push for the revamping of his unit to improve service delivery.
The deceased is also renowned for his service in championing efforts to mitigate climate change in society.
In May 2023, he led over 300 Administration Police officers to plant over 1,000 seedlings as part of the government's efforts to plant 1.5 billion trees across the country.
Further, he was an advocate for officers to coexist with communities by fostering good relations. His colleagues praised him for his leadership role in the Administration Police Service.
"I'm in shock this morning. We have lost a leader, a legend, a Dad to many, a visionary leader. Administration police we're crying. We woke up this morning just to receive the sad news that Our BPU Commandant is no more. RIP Gitiba Mwita," one of his colleagues commented.
