Police probe former Juja MP George Thuo’s death

Former Juja MP George Thuo. (Photo:File/Standard)

By Kamau Maichuhie

Thika, Kenya: Police are investigating the sudden death of former Juja MP George Thuo who collapsed at a club in Thika town. Thuo had gone to Porkies Club on Sunday evening.

According to the club’s proprietor Paul Wainaina, who was a close friend, Thuo had called him at around 5pm on Sunday. The former MP, who was a Formula One enthusiast, had wanted to know when the race would start.

Wainaina said when he went to his club after 7pm he found Thuo and another friend taking a drink.

“I joined them at their table but after a short while Thuo started to complain that he was feeling extremely hot and wanted to remove his T-shirt,” he said. “I told him to go to my office and remove it. About 15 minutes after he returned he collapsed and hit the table but we supported him.” Wanaina said they took him to Thika Nursing Home.

“The doctors gave him first aid and referred him to Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi where he was pronounced dead on arrival,” Wainaina said. The club owner claimed that two weeks ago, Thuo had been diagnosed with high blood pressure and put on medication. “I’m extremely saddened by his death. I have lost a very close friend,” Wainaina said.

Reports indicate that the deceased had been in Kitengela the whole day in the company of his wife and brother before returning to his home in Thika and later going to the club.

Thuo ventured into politics in 2007 when he captured the Juja parliamentary seat on a PNU ticket. He rose to become the Grand Coalition’s chief whip in the Tenth Parliament.

Condolence messages

The CID Director Ndegwa Muhoro asked residents to avoid speculating on the former MP’s death.

Deputy President William Ruto last evening visited the family of former chief whip George Thuo to convey his and the President’s message of condolence.

Mr Ruto said the President was shocked by the sudden death of the former chief whip and even delayed his trip by an hour.

He described him as charming, polite principled and a good man who did not carry hard feelings even in difficult time.

Meanwhile, Wiper Democratic Movement Leader Kalonzo Musyoka said the former MP’s death was shocking. “Hon Thuo was having some drinks with friends and collapsed, this is shocking,” Kalonzo said. He described Thuo as a friend and great leader with distinguished skills.