Fresh questions have emerged over the circumstances surrounding the death of Rosemary Koech Kimwatu, a senior KCB Group official, with activists calling for an independent investigation into claims involving her workplace experience and financial dealings at the bank.
Rosemary, who was 40 and a mother of four, was found dead at her home in Ngong on August 21, 2026. An autopsy later confirmed that she died by suicide. Her death has since sparked debate about the pressure she may have faced in the period before her death and whether concerns raised at her workplace were properly addressed.
Some activists have directly mentioned KCB Group CEO Paul Russo while raising questions about the management of the bank and large sums of money reportedly connected to the matter. However, these claims remain allegations and have not been established as facts.
Former colleagues and people familiar with Rosemary’s professional life have described what they say was a difficult period at work. They allege that she faced pressure, criticism and repeated questioning over her responsibilities from senior officials.
Some accounts have also mentioned the Group Chief Risk Officer and the bank’s managing director.
Activists further claim that Rosemary raised concerns through internal channels, including human resources and senior leadership, but that her complaints did not receive the response they expected.
These claims have added to calls for KCB to provide clear answers about its internal processes and how concerns raised by senior employees are handled.
One civil society organisation has issued KCB with a 72-hour deadline to order an independent investigation and preserve relevant records. The group has also raised questions about a reported multi-billion-shilling transaction, saying any information connected to the matter should be protected and examined. It has warned that failure to respond could lead to public action outside the bank’s headquarters.
Rosemary had built a long career spanning law, fintech, public policy and data protection. She joined KCB from Safaricom in 2022 and later became the bank’s Head of Data Protection. She was also involved in boards and organisations dealing with digital rights and privacy matters in Kenya.
Her family, however, has urged the public to be cautious about the claims circulating online. Her parents have said KCB supported Rosemary and stood with the family during the difficult period. They have asked people to stop spreading accounts that do not reflect the family’s position and to allow them to mourn privately.
The controversy has now widened into a broader discussion about workplace pressure, employee welfare and accountability in large Kenyan companies. Activists want KCB to address the allegations openly, while the family continues to grieve.
Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding Rosemary’s death are also continuing.
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