Jubilee strategist left wife asleep before being found dead outside Kisii hotel

Kisii Jubilee strategist Peter Magara who was found dead at Kisii Magharibi Hotel on Saturday morning. [Sammy Omingo, standard]

A former Jubilee strategist and a key member of the Gusii Professionals Group died on Friday in his Kisii hotel room under unclear circumstances.

Peter Magara’s body was found outside Magharibi Hotel on Saturday morning by the hotel staff.

According to the widow, Jane Nyambura Magara, her husband stepped out when he was asleep, but did not return to their hotel room before his body was found outside.

“We checked in to the Hotel on Thursday evening, but on Friday my husband was exhibiting unusual behaviour.”

“He stepped out of the hotel at night but unsuccessfully attempted to start the car engine. He came to the room but unfortunately I didn’t get to notice the second time he left the room,” she said.

Nyambura said he had shown signs of stress in the past week and they had sought medication at a private hospital in Kisii.

The couple had travelled to Kisii leaving behind their two children in Nairobi.

The deceased together with several Gusii professionals led by Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i and Health PS Susan Mochache campaigned for President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2017 election.

He was also part of President Uhuru’s sister Kristiana Pratt’s campaign team that camped in Kisii and Nyamira Counties campaigning for Jubilee.

Kisii County police boss Martin Kibet said the family had tried to restrain the deceased for two days before his body was recovered on Saturday morning.

“We are investigating the matter though initial inquiries indicate that he might have developed a psychiatric problem,” said Kibet.

Masagara was working as the Chief engineer at Fair Mount Hotels-Nanyuki.

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology don Dr Joseph Birundu and Engineer Henry Otara who are part of the Professional Group condoled with the family saying the community had lost one of the best brains.

“He has left a gap both the family and community level. His professional expertise will be missed,” said Birundu.