As tributes pour in for Joseph Kubende, the departed political mobiliser from Bungoma, his family has reservations about alleged suicide.

Kubende, 42, reportedly jumped off the fourth floor of a storey building in Nairobi’s Roysambu estate on Thursday evening.

He would later die at Radiant Hospital where he had been referred to.

A police report filed at Kasarani police station on March 23, 2023 states that the deceased was alone in the house when he jumped off.

“The injured was rushed to Jesse Kay Hospital in Lumumba Drive by Good Samaritans while unconscious and later referred to Radiant Hospital in Pangani for further medical attention,” read the statement.

No burial

Speaking on Saturday at their rural home in Bahai, Kimilili constituency, the family led by David Shakama said Kubende had secured a job in the United States just recently and had only come for an assignment in Rwanda before flying back via Kenya.

“Let the government probe and unravel the cause of the death. Kubende has played a crucial role in ascending a lot of politicians into power both in Bungoma County and outside,” said Mr. Shakama.

“We’re not going to bury Joseph until the government has told us what transpired.”

Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa who joined the family at their home rubbished the suicide claim.

He said he has already reached out to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to take up the case from Kasarani Police Station, calling for the interrogation of everyone who was with the late in his last moments.

“I know Kubende as a very strong character, who will always speak out whenever faced with any difficulty. That’s why we’re asking on behalf of the people of Kimilili, and the family, that this matter be properly investigated,” he said.

Meanwhile, Bumula MP Jack Wamboka has poked holes in the police report, wondering how it was established that Kubende jumped from the said house since it was reported that he was alone.

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