By Ongaga Ongaga
John Kioli Kalua, the Executive Director of the Green Africa Foundation and a commissioner with the Nairobi Rivers Commission, has died after suffering a sudden asthma attack in Nairobi.
The Kalua family said Kioli, who was also the younger brother of environmentalist Dr Isaac Kalua Green, died on Monday, September 28, 2026, after collapsing while attending to personal business in Nairobi’s Central Business District.
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According to a statement issued by the family, medical personnel arrived and attempted to revive him, but their efforts were unsuccessful. He was subsequently pronounced dead.
“At the time of his passing, John was the Executive Director of the Green Africa Foundation, Chairman of the Kenya Climate Change Working Group, and a Commissioner with the Nairobi Rivers Commission,” the family said.
Kioli was also the chairman of the Kenya Climate Change Working Group, placing him at the centre of environmental and climate change advocacy in the country.
The family described him as a brother, father, son and uncle whose work reflected a deep commitment to Kenya’s environment and its people.
His death comes as the Nairobi Rivers Commission continues its work around the restoration and protection of the capital’s river system. Kioli served as one of the commissioners involved in the commission’s mandate.
The family said it was mourning the sudden loss and asked friends, colleagues and the public for patience and understanding as they came to terms with his death.
“The family is grateful for the concern shown by friends and colleagues and asks for patience and understanding as they come to terms with this sudden loss,” the statement said.
Kioli was a member of the family of the late Bishop David Nguli Kalua. His brother, Dr Isaac Kalua Green, is the family spokesperson.
The family said details of the funeral arrangements would be announced later.
