Africa-Press – Kenya. The start of 2026 has been marked by tragedy for Senate Speaker Amason Kingi following the sudden death of his bodyguard on New Year’s Day.
Corporal John Lwane Lumumba, a police officer attached to the Speaker’s security detail, died on January 1, 2026, without any prior signs of serious illness.
The news came as a shock to Kingi, who had been with Lumumba shortly before his death.
Speaker Kingi took to social media to mourn his fallen bodyguard, describing their relationship as one that transcended professional boundaries.
“Gone too soon my young brother. The cruel hand of death has snatched you so fast. One minute we are having a walk and chatting jovially and the next minute I’m called to be informed that you are no more,” Kingi wrote.
Lumumba served as part of the National Police Service’s protective unit assigned to safeguard one of Kenya’s top state officers.
The position demanded exceptional commitment and loyalty, attributes Speaker Kingi openly praised while paying tribute to him.
“To me you were not just a bodyguard, you were family. I admired the way you discharged your duty with utmost dedication, professionalism and loyalty,” the Speaker added.
The exact cause of Corporal Lumumba’s death has not been officially disclosed by authorities.
The incident has also sparked conversations about the often-unseen sacrifices made by security officers who protect the nation’s leadership.
His sudden passing leaves a gap not only in the Speaker’s security team but also in what Kingi described as his extended family.
The National Police Service is yet to release an official statement regarding the circumstances surrounding the officer’s death.
