Two brothers who died 2 days apart buried

Dr Solomon Sambu (right) and his young brother John Sambu. They were buried on Saturday at Kithayoni village in Mwingi West, Kitui County. [Philip Muasya, Standard]

Two brothers who died in mysterious circumstances two days apart were laid to rest on Saturday at a village in Mwingi West, Kitui County.

The sudden death of Dr Solomon Michael Sambu, a medical doctor, and his brother John Kyalo Sambu, a businessman in Nairobi, left the family and residents of Kithayoni village in Nguutani in shock.

Breathed his last

The elder brother breathed his last on November 19 at 7pm while his younger brother died on November 21, at 4.30pm.

According to the family, post-mortem examination results showed Dr Solomon had a head injury that severely affected his brain.

But no postmortem examination was conducted on the body of his young brother. 

Solo, as Dr Solomon, 44, was fondly known to his family and friends, was untill his death working at Nyahururu County Referral Hospital.

On the fateful day, he had reportedly complained of feeling unwell and retreated to his house to take a rest.

Moments later, it is said that the father of two collapsed in his house and was rushed to the hospital but he could not make it.

Shockingly, his brother John Kyalo passed on two days after reportedly complaining of chest pains and took some medication before going to rest.

Breathing complications

At around 3.30 pm, he developed breathing complications and was immediately rushed to hospital in Nairobi County where he breathed his last. At their village home where the two were being laid to rest, they were eulogised as the best of friends since their childhood.

Friends and family recalled that the two grew up with a tight bond until they completed their studies and pursued different careers.

During the burial ceremony, their parents, Major (rtd) Leonard Tyaa Sambu, and mother Cecilia Sambu were overwhelmed with grief.

“It is a huge loss but it is all God’s doing. There is nothing we can do,” the father said.

“We are grateful for all the memories and moments we shared and are lucky and privileged to have been your parents,” read a tribute message from their parents.

Their other four siblings praised the two for being role models in the family. The late Solomon was eulogised as an astute medic while his brother John was described as a hardworking man.

Solo and John, born in 1979 and 1980 respectively, reportedly grew up like twins during their early lives.

The two attended Lang’ata Barracks Primary School but later Solomon joined Moi Forces Academy while his younger brother proceeded to Kitui High School a year later.

Solomon would later join University of Nairobi for a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery and later specialised in obstetrics and gynecology at the same university.

John, on the other hand, joined Kenya School of Monetary Studies for a Diploma in Business Management before proceeding to Kenya Methodist University for a Bachelor’s degree.

Solomon is survived by his wife Beth Wambui and two sons, while John is survived by his wife Lillian Karwitha and four daughters.

The burial ceremony was attended by East Africa Community and Arid Lands Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza and area MP Charles Nguna.