NAIROBI, Kenya – A man wanted for his alleged role in the murder of British businessman Campbell Scott has died by suicide while on the run, authorities have confirmed.
Samuel Musembi, who had been at the center of a police manhunt, reportedly ended his life on Wednesday morning at Kenyatta National Hospital, where he was receiving treatment.
Detectives believe he had initially ingested poison and, when that failed, stabbed himself multiple times.
Musembi was suspected of driving the vehicle that transported 58-year-old Scott’s body from Pipeline, Nairobi, to Makongo Forest in Makueni County, where it was discovered on February 22.
The Briton had arrived in Kenya days earlier for a business conference but disappeared on February 17.
Investigators allege he was lured into a fake business meeting before being killed.
Musembi had been hiding at a relative’s home in Dandora before seeking refuge at a friend’s house.
According to detectives, the friend, unaware of the gravity of the situation, allowed Musembi to stay overnight.
However, the friend later told police that Musembi appeared restless.
When he left for work on Tuesday morning, he returned in the evening to find the door locked from the inside.
After forcing entry, he discovered Musembi unconscious on the bed, with foam coming from his mouth, blood oozing from his neck, and a stab wound on his body.
The friend and concerned neighbors rushed him to Mama Lucy Hospital, but he was turned away due to the severity of his condition.
He was then taken to Kenyatta National Hospital, where he succumbed hours later.
Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin said an autopsy would determine the exact cause of death.
“The heat on him was too much. He died by suicide,” a detective involved in the probe said.
Musembi was one of three suspects wanted in connection with Scott’s murder.
Police had issued an appeal for information leading to the arrest of Musembi, Benard Mbunga Mbusu, and Alphonse Munyao Kilewa, alias Edu.
Two other suspects, Alex Mutua Kithuka and Albunus Mutinda Nzioki, are already in custody and are assisting detectives.
Investigators told the court that Scott was taken to Mutua’s house in Pipeline, where he is believed to have been killed.
It is alleged that the suspects attempted to withdraw money using Scott’s credit cards in Nairobi, Voi, and Mombasa before their arrest on March 1 along the Nairobi-Mombasa Road.
Mbusu remains at large and was last seen on February 16 with Scott, as captured on CCTV footage. Police say he has a criminal record dating back to 2018.
Meanwhile, detectives are also searching for the individual who sheltered Musembi in his final days.
Authorities are still piecing together details of Scott’s murder, but with one key suspect now dead, the case has taken a dramatic turn.
