Late Makueni County’s Trade Executive, Dr. Sonia Nzilani. File Photo 
By Andrew Mbuva
An autopsy conducted at the Montezuma Funeral Home in Machakos has confirmed that Makueni County’s Trade Executive, Dr. Sonia Nzilani, died from a cardiac tamponade caused by a ruptured heart — bringing clarity to a loss that had raised widespread concern and speculation.
The procedure, carried out jointly by family-appointed pathologist Dr. Ancient Kituku and government pathologist Dr. Waithera, provided detailed answers to the many questions that had emerged following Dr. Sonia’s sudden death on Saturday.
Dr. Kituku, speaking after briefing the family, explained that the autopsy revealed a significant accumulation of blood in the pericardium — the protective sac surrounding the heart.
“The heart is a vital organ, and God designed it with a cushion around it called the pericardium,” he said. “Normally, this sac contains only minimal fluid, but in Dr. Sonia’s case, we found it filled with blood. The bleeding resulted from a rupture in the heart.”
He noted that Dr. Sonia, aged 45, had a known heart condition diagnosed more than a decade ago and had been under regular cardiology care. A day before her death, she had complained of abdominal pain and sought treatment before travelling to her rural home in Makindu.
According to the forensic findings, the sudden internal bleeding would have caused rapid dizziness and collapse. Dr. Kituku added that this medical emergency could explain the mark that was visible on her head.
“It is possible that as the rupture occurred and she became dizzy, she fell and hit her head. That mark raised concern at first, but the postmortem has shown it was secondary to the internal cardiac event,” he said.
Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr, who visited the mortuary alongside Cabinet Secretaries, DCI officers, county officials, and family members, welcomed the clarity the autopsy provided.
“When we came here on Saturday, we had many concerns and unanswered questions,” he said. “We saw a mark on her head and signs consistent with blood loss. Today, we have confirmed that her heart ruptured, leading to internal bleeding. Nothing harmful was done to our colleague.”
He emphasized that the findings had brought relief not only to the county government but also to national officials and family members who had worked closely with the late ECM.
“Governors, PSs and Cabinet Secretaries who knew Dr. Sonia are relieved that we finally have answers,” Mutula said. “Her family is satisfied with the explanation, and we can now all find comfort knowing that nothing malicious happened to her.”
The Governor thanked the pathologists and investigative officers for their professionalism during the process, noting that sudden deaths often trigger public anxiety and suspicion.
Dr. Sonia’s passing has left a deep void in Makueni County, where she was celebrated as a dedicated leader and a vibrant public servant. The autopsy findings now pave the way for her family, colleagues, and the county to proceed with funeral arrangements with clarity and closure.
