Pathologist: Kariobangi North MCA Joel Munuve died of blood clot in the lungs
Oduor said the examination revealed that Muneve had insufficient oxygen in his body at the time of death.
A team of government and private pathologists has confirmed that Kariobangi North MCA Joel Munuve died of a pulmonary embolism — a sudden blockage in the lungs caused by a blood clot.
The post-mortem was conducted on Friday at Lee Funeral Home by a team of seven pathologists led by Chief Government Pathologist, Dr Johansen Oduor. Also present were forensic experts from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and lawyers representing various parties including the family, Nairobi County Assembly, AAR Hospital and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
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Oduor explained that their examination found the MCA had insufficient oxygen at the time of death.
“When we looked at the body of the late MCA, from external examination, we saw that he had cyanosis (darkening of lips and fingernails). This is seen in people who are not getting enough oxygen in the body,” he said.
He said the team discovered a major blood clot in the pulmonary artery, which connects the heart and lungs.
“There is a blood vessel called the pulmonary artery where blood passes from the heart to the lungs to get oxygen. We saw a big blood clot there which was tightly adherent to the blood vessel. This is what is called pulmonary embolism, which can cause sudden death,” he stated.
Further examination showed that the clot had originated in a vein in the leg.
“We tried to find where the blood clot was coming from and upon looking at the whole body, a blood vessel in the lower limb also on the left in the vein called the popliteal vein, we saw a blood clot there,” Oduor said.
“It is very clear the blood clot came from this vein, which progressively went to the area in the lung,” he added.
Pathologist Peter Maturi, who represented the family, said such clots are rare in men and are often caused by inactivity.
“The clot in the popliteal vein, which is rare in men, is caused by sitting for a long time and a sedentary lifestyle, or even a long airplane journey,” he noted.
Family lawyer Danstan Omari said samples, including stomach fluids, organ fats and viral swabs were taken to the government chemist for further testing.
“Some viral swabs were also taken for further analysis. The doctors representing the government have one bunch of samples, the doctors representing the family the document of what they are going to analyse,” he said.
Omari suggested the MCA’s death could have been prevented with the right medical care.
“The deceased would not have died if he had been given the right diagnosis and treatment before he met his death. He had consulted medical practitioners before. Once we get the final report, the family will decide how to deal with it,” he said.
He added that the results shared by the pathologists reflect the family’s understanding.
“The results that have been announced by the doctors are the results that the family has,” Omari noted.
Lawyer Shadrack Wambui urged residents of Kariobangi North to remain calm as investigations continue.
“We hope that the Kariobangi North residents will be peaceful and maintain tranquillity within the ward so that we do not end up reacting to a situation yet the doctors are still in the process of discovering what led to the death of their leader,” he said.
Munuve was pronounced dead on arrival at AAR Hospital along Kiambu Road after complaining of chest pains. His sudden death sparked public concern and drew attention from political leaders who sent representatives to witness the postmortem.
In total, five pathologists participated in the autopsy, supported by 15 specialists from the DCI’s Homicide Unit and Forensic Crime Scene department.
Lawyer Duncan Okach, representing the Nairobi County Assembly, said the post-mortem process was thorough and all parties were satisfied with the findings.
“We owe our duty not only to the departed soul but also his immediate family to ensure that we responsibly deal with such issues. There are other procedural aspects, which is normal. But one thing that the family is about is closure. And we have an established,” Okach said.
Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai and Kahawa MCA Eutychus Muriuki, both friends of Munuve, witnessed the autopsy and expressed satisfaction with the outcome.
Alai, who was a close ally to deceased said the findings would help settle concerns that had emerged after Munuve’s death.
“It is a lesson to all of us because we cannot bring him back to life. I hope that the results now bring peace to all of us, especially the political family, where there has been a bit of turmoil on who killed him or what killed him. I trust the word of doctors and the process. Our friend had something that was hurting him, and he did not know,” he said.
Muriuki added: “We were looking for closure so that our brother could rest in peace. We pray for the family.”
Munuve has been remembered by his colleagues as a leader who stood for integrity, good governance, and servant leadership.
Final test results from the Government Chemist are still pending and are expected to conclude the investigation into his death.
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