Fresh details emerge into the death of Kirinyaga returning officer Geoffrey Gitobu

Gitobu died on Monday, August 22, at around 2pm.

Kirinyaga County IEBC manager Jane Gitonga announced Gitobu’s death on Monday night, saying he had taken a short break to see his family in Nanyuki when he visited the Nanyuki IEBC offices.

He then reportedly collapsed and was rushed to Cottage Hospital Nanyuki, where he died.

“It's with profound sadness that I officially announce the sudden demise of  our dear colleague and friend Mr. Geoffrey Gitobu Senior Election Officer, Gichugu Constituency who collapsed and died today at 1400hrs,” Gitonga wrote in a social media forum.

“Post-mortem will be carried out to identify the cause of death. Full details will be shared in due course.”

Laikipia County Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Onesmus Towett has, however, dismissed rumours of possible killing of Gitobu.

Towett on Tuesday said it was a sudden death and an inquiry has been opened.

Laikipia County DCI boss Onesmus Towett dispels rumours around the death of Kirinyaga IEBC official Geoffrey Gitobu; Towett says it was a sudden death and not murder pic.twitter.com/G14zWpPxc0

The postmortem is slated for Wednesday at 9am.

Towett has in the meantime warned politicians from spreading rumours regarding the incident and wait for the police investigation to be done.

Gitobu notably allowed the re-tallying of Kirinyaga gubernatorial results in Gichugu constituency on August 10 following a stalemate over rigging claims.

The request was made by Independent candidate Wangui Ngirici who was accusing the returning officer of rigging her in favour of the incumbent, Anne Waiguru.