Makueni Trade CEC Sonia Nzilani is dead

President William Ruto has led the country in the mourning of Makueni County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism Sonia Nzilani.

Confirming her death, Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior said Nzilani was found dead in her Makindu home on Saturday morning.

"We have lost Dr Sonia Nzilani today morning (Saturday) and her body has been brought to Montezuma Funeral Home. We have met with the family, and they have had the opportunity to view her body," Mutula said.

Mutula remembered Nzilani as a humble person with integrity who used to do her work with dedication, terming her death a blow and a shock not only to the family but to the people of Makueni.

"The cause of her death is yet to be established and through the family, we will have an official statement on her death. For now, her body is preserved at Montezuma," he said.

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

In his condolence message, Ruto mourned Nzilani as a person whose dedication to public service inspired many.

"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," Ruto said.

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

Nzilani was in the news in January for her controversial remarks suggesting that menstruating women attract crocodiles.

Speaking during the funeral of a 17-year-old girl who was killed by a crocodile in the Athi River, Dr Nzilani suggested that the victim may have been attacked because she was menstruating and that the scent attracts crocodiles.

Her remarks were, however, dismissed by experts as having no scientific backing. 

She later issued an apology.