Makueni County has been thrown into mourning after the tragic death of senior county official Sonia Nzilani.
The county executive committee (CEC) member, who served in the Department of Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture, and Tourism, was found dead at her home, leaving family, colleagues, and the wider community shocked and saddened.
Several county leaders, including Machakos Woman Representative Joyce Kamene Kasimbi, expressed their condolences.
Several county leaders, including Machakos Woman Representative Joyce Kamene Kasimbi, expressed their condolences.
“My heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Dr. Sonia Nzilani,” Kasimbi said. “Her passing is a significant loss to the whole Kamba community and Makueni County.
She was a brave, compassionate, visionary leader committed to sustainable development. Her impact was visible in her work with environmental restoration, community livelihoods, and support for traders and early childhood centers.”
Nzilani was widely admired not only for her leadership but also for her beauty and elegance. She often appeared in stunning outfits that complemented her skin tone and figure.
Nzilani was widely admired not only for her leadership but also for her beauty and elegance. She often appeared in stunning outfits that complemented her skin tone and figure.
In one photo, she wore a fitted two-piece suit paired with golden yellow heels, flashing a radiant smile that reflected her vibrant personality. Another image showed her in a two-piece blue suit, looking poised and professional.
Nzilani was not only a politician but also a scholar. She previously served as a lecturer and Head of the Department of Hydrology and Aquatic Sciences at South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU). She held a Ph.D. in Natural Resources and Life Sciences from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Austria.
Nzilani was not only a politician but also a scholar. She previously served as a lecturer and Head of the Department of Hydrology and Aquatic Sciences at South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU). She held a Ph.D. in Natural Resources and Life Sciences from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Austria.
Additionally, she earned two master’s degrees: one in Water and Coastal Management from Cadiz University in Spain, and another in Environmental Assessment and Management from the University of Bologna, Italy. Her undergraduate degree was in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences from Moi University, Kenya.
In January, Nzilani became the subject of social media discussion after linking a crocodile attack to menstruation. She suggested that the scent of menstrual flow attracted crocodiles, which many Kenyans criticized as insensitive and unscientific.
In January, Nzilani became the subject of social media discussion after linking a crocodile attack to menstruation. She suggested that the scent of menstrual flow attracted crocodiles, which many Kenyans criticized as insensitive and unscientific.
The Makueni County government later distanced itself from her comments, emphasizing that they did not reflect official policy.
Nzilani was also a lover of nature and environmental conservation. One viral photo shows her wearing a jungle green outfit while holding a tree seedling, highlighting her commitment to re-greening initiatives and sustainable development projects in her county. She frequently promoted environmental awareness and led initiatives to plant trees across communities.
Her passing has left a significant void in both governance and community development efforts in Makueni County. She was celebrated not only for her academic achievements and professional dedication but also for her approachable and compassionate leadership style.
Sonia Nzilani’s life and work left a lasting impression on the Kamba community and beyond. Her leadership in trade, culture, and environmental projects, combined with her academic excellence and charismatic personality, made her a role model for young leaders and women in Kenya.
Tags:
People