The Kenyan tech and business community is in mourning following the sudden death of Mwaura Gathua, the Chief Executive Officer of Com Twenty One.
Mr. Gathua died on Tuesday evening, December 23, 2025, after falling from the 14th floor of the Alba Apartments on Kasuku Road in Nairobi’s Kilimani area.
Detectives are currently on the ground investigating the incident, which has sent shockwaves through the corporate sector.
Details of the Incident
According to security footage and witness accounts, Mr. Gathua entered the apartment building alone and took the lift to the 14th floor. Minutes later, his body was found on the ground floor.
First responders from the Kilimani Police Station arrived shortly after the alarm was raised. While initial reports point toward a possible suicide, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has processed the scene to establish whether there was any foul play involved in the final moments leading up to the fall.
Who was Mwaura Gathua?
As the head of Com Twenty One, Gathua was a pivotal player in Kenya’s ICT infrastructure landscape. His company is known for delivering large-scale communication solutions and technological integrations across the region.
Colleagues describe him as a sharp, dedicated professional who was deeply committed to the growth of the local tech ecosystem.
The body has been moved to the mortuary, and a postmortem is expected to be conducted later this week to provide more clarity.
Also Read: Rising Concerns as High-Profile Suicide Cases Spike Among Kenyan Professionals
A Call for Mental Health Awareness
This tragedy highlights a worrying trend of mental health struggles among high-level professionals in Kenya. Experts note that the pressures of the C-suite can often lead to isolation and silent battles with depression.
“Success does not make one immune to mental health challenges,” says a representative from the Kenya Psychiatrists Association. “We need to create spaces where even CEOs feel safe to say they are not okay.”
