By Festus Poquie
Growing calls for an independent investigation have emerged after the sudden death of Alvin Tumbey, a prominent Liberian customs broker who was said to have been the intermediary in the transshipment of more than $20 million worth of 285 earthmoving “yellow machines” procured for government road works.
Tumbey, the former president of the Customs Brokers Association of Liberia and a well-known figure in the country’s logistics and maritime sectors, collapsed during a church service on May 31, and was pronounced dead after being taken to John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Monrovia, according to media reports and statements from colleagues.
Authorities have not released an official cause of death.
Margibi County Senator Nathaniel McGill, leader of the main opposition Coalition for Democratic Change in the legislature, elevated concerns when he filed a formal request for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Tumbey’s passing.
“Given the differing narratives and controversy surrounding his death, it is both prudent and important that the government conduct a thorough and impartial investigation to establish the facts and provide clarity to the public,” McGill wrote in a Facebook post while expressing condolences to Tumbey’s family.
The matter has become politically charged on social media. CDC activist Keff Hassan suggested a link between the broker’s death and the “yellow machines” controversy, writing that Tumbey “was murdered” and urging authorities to find those responsible.
Isaac Doe, a social media influencer aligned with the CDC, echoed calls for transparency, asking why anyone would oppose a full probe and urging officials to disclose what they know.
The reaction was sharply criticized by Mohammed Ali, former secretary general of the ruling Unity Party, who accused opposition figures of exploiting the tragedy for political gain.
“These individuals seem intent on exploiting tragedy, almost wishing for a repeat of the murdered auditors, just so they can weaponize grief,” Ali wrote, arguing some commentators are reducing a solemn loss to “cheap political ridicule.”
Tumbey had long advocated reforms to improve trade facilitation and port operations at the Freeport of Monrovia, working closely with the National Port Authority and the Liberia Revenue Authority. At the time of his death was serving as a training consultant and government focal person at Global Tracking Maritime Solution (GTMS). He also previously ran for the Montserrado County District #9 representative seat.
The shipment of 285 earthmoving machines valued at more than $20 million has been under scrutiny amid questions about procurement and transshipment processes. Sources in the logistics sector say Tumbey had been involved as an intermediary in that transaction, though details remain unclear and have not been confirmed by government agencies.
While political actors continue to press competing narratives around both the death and the high value machinery shipment, the logistics and customs community mourned the loss of a figure many described as a reformer and advocate for private sector development.
