The sudden death of Komora Mabudi Jilo has sparked mixed reactions and left a sombre mood among Kenyans especially those from Tana River County where he hails from.

Jilo collapsed and died On Tuesday March 25, 2025 while waiting to be interviewed for the position of National Police Service Commission Chairman, at the Public Service Commission offices along Harambee Avenue. His interview was scheduled for 10.00am.

He was among the four candidates who were to appear before the panel on the date mentioned above. Other candidates who had been selected for the top police commission job are;

Kizoto Wangalwa(former deputy Governor, Busia), Margaret Mwachanya(Former IEBC commissioner), former IPOA member Doreen Nkatha, ex-PS Micah Powon, ex-MP Humphrey Kimani, John Mutegi, Susan Oyatsi, and John Otieno.

The cause of Jilo’s death is yet to be made public but his body was transefered to a mortuary in Nairobi. The incident however caused panic at the PSC offices, disrupting the interviews shortly.

Following his death, condolence messages have been flowing in, with those who knew him saying he could have landed the chairmanship without of a doubt because of his attributes which include;

Hard work and determination

Many have described Jilo as a hardworking man, including Tana River governor Dansan Mungatana.

“He was a hardworking man who loved his family and one who had a spirit of always trying to forward. Indeed, death found him while trying to take another step forward in his public service career,” the governor said.

Game-changer

Jilo vied unsuccessfully vied for the Garsen MP seat in 2022 general elections but the vision, strategies and plans he had are still vivid in the minds of locals. Because of the vision he had for the constituency, he earned the title of game-changer.

“Komora was a transformative leader who late entry into the political arena redefined the landscape of Garsen Constituency. His tenacity, vision and unwavering Commitment to service earned him deep respect across the region,” said Victor Misuo, and aspiring Garsen MP in the coming elections.

Supportive

Several individuals have come out to term him as a supportive man. One of the things he is remembered for is joining locals to fund raise for the publication of the Pokomo Bible.

Jilo also extended his support to Football clubs in his county.

“As a club, we have lost a huge supporter who chipped in to support the club whenever we reached out to him. His immenseness contribution to Tana River Football shall be remembered for the longest time to come,” Sango Sportiff FC said in their condolence message.

Additionally, Jilo has been hailed as a selfless, modest and a man who was committed to leadership and development.

Experience

The engineer has an extensive experience when it comes to public  service and given the mandate to lead NPSC, he wouldn’t fail. In 2013, he was appointed as chair of the Kenya Sugar Research Foundation by the late president Mwai Kibaki, for a period of three years.

In October 2021, he was appointed to the Kenya Leather Development Council Board of Directors. He has previously served as the chair for Coast Water Services Board and as Director of Board of the Kenya Ports Authority.

His academic qualifications include; Bsc. in Mathematics and Physics and in 2021, he was pursuing a Masters degree.

Although much is not known about his death, there have been suspicions, with interested parties calling for investigations by the relevant authorities.