Russia: Minister Found Dead with Gunshot Wound Hours after Being Sacked
- A high-ranking Russian official was found dead just hours after being dismissed from his post by the country's president. Vladimir Putin
- Authorities launched an investigation into the sudden death amid speculation over possible political or legal troubles
- The incident unfolded as Russia's transport sector faces mounting challenges linked to ongoing regional tensions
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Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
Former Russian Transport minister Roman Starovoit was found dead on Monday, July 7, just hours after President Vladimir Putin abruptly dismissed him from office.
Source: Twitter
According to the Investigative Committee of Russia, Starovoit's body was discovered inside a car in Odintsovo, a suburb of Moscow, with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Why did Putin dismiss Roman Starovoit?
A presidential decree released earlier in the day confirmed Starovoit’s removal and offered an unclear explanation for the decision.
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According to a BBC report, Deputy Transport Minister Andrei Nikitin was named as his replacement shortly thereafter.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, when questioned about the dismissal, did not clarify whether it stemmed from a loss of presidential trust, responding only that 'a loss of trust is mentioned if there is a loss of trust.'
Though no official reason has been provided for Starovoit’s dismissal, some political analysts speculated that it may be linked to ongoing investigations into alleged corruption during his tenure as Kursk governor.
According to CNN, local media reported that "Starovoit was implicated in an investigation into the embezzlement of state funds allocated for building fortifications in the region."
Source: Twitter
How long did Starovoit serve as minister?
Starovoit, who had served as governor of the Kursk region for nearly nine years until May 2024, had only held the transport minister role for a year.
His governorship came under scrutiny after Ukrainian forces briefly seized parts of the Kursk region in a surprise offensive in August 2024.
While Russian troops regained most of the territory, Ukraine claimed in late June 2025 to still control a small section of land within Russia.
His death comes at a time when Russia’s transport sector is under considerable strain, compounded by the continuing war in Ukraine, now in its fourth year.
Authorities launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Kisii couple found dead inside their house
In other news, tragedy struck Nyambenoka village in Kisii county as a man allegedly killed his wife, Alice Kwamboka, by setting her on fire before taking his own life after they were involved in a suspected domestic dispute.
The shocking incident left residents reeling as authorities launched investigations to determine the actual cause of their deaths.
Following the incident, the couple's daughter took to social media to mourn the loss of both parents, describing the emotional and financial toll the family now faces.
The incident sparked widespread reactions among Kenyans, with many urging for peaceful conflict resolution in relationships, while others expressed sympathy for the couple’s grieving daughter.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
