American Scientist Found Dead in Kenyan Research Institute

An American scientist, Robert Snellings was found dead at a leading research facility in Nairobi, under unclear circumstances, police said on Wednesday.

The 74-year-old researcher was found dead in his room at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) headquarters in Kasarani, a suburb of Nairobi late on Tuesday, police said.

According to the police, Snelling’s body was discovered after ICIPE colleagues failed to trace him for the better part of the day.

However, the area divisional police chief, Jasper Ombati said initial investigations have shown the scientist may have died from an illness because he was on medication.

“His colleagues could not trace him and ended up checking in his room late in the evening only to find him dead. That is when they reported to us”, said Ombati.

The police said that Snelling’s passport indicated that he arrived in the country last Saturday, but it was not immediately clear when he was due to leave the country.

Since his arrival, he had been staying at the ICIPE’s headquarters in Kasarani where he was conducting research.

ICIPE is a center for the study of tropical insect science for development with its headquarters in Nairobi established in 1970 and aims at alleviating poverty and ensuring food security by developing and extending management tools and strategies for harmful and useful arthropods through research and capacity building.
Source African Press Agency

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