KEMRI to analyse samples from mysterious Mombasa deaths as health probe intensifies
The Ministry of Health has now called for calm as public concerns rise over the unexplained deaths, which have so far claimed four lives in Migadini’s Matangini village, Changamwe.
Samples collected from the four bodies discovered in Mombasa’s Migadini area have been taken to the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) in Kilifi for analysis, as health authorities investigate the cause of the mysterious deaths.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has confirmed that laboratory tests are underway, noting that the government will release findings once conclusive results are obtained.
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“All the tests have been sent to our KEMRI labs in Kilifi, and then we will tell the country what’s going on, but what the DG has said as our technical head is not only for me but for the whole country,” Duale said.
The Ministry of Health has now called for calm as public concerns rise over the unexplained deaths, which have so far claimed four lives in Migadini’s Matangini village, Changamwe.
The deceased, aged between 55 and 91 years, were found in their homes between July 9 and July 14. According to local reports, the victims had swollen bodies and pus-filled wounds before succumbing.
Health Director General Patrick Amoth noted that preliminary investigations suggest the four had pre-existing health conditions, and that no similar cases have been reported elsewhere in the country.
“We have not established any clear pattern. Our team is on the ground, led by the Chief Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor,” Amoth said.
“As soon as we receive reports, we shall be able to share them with you. No cause for alarm now because some of the cases are reported to have had co-existing conditions and they have been in contact with the health facilities.”
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni echoed the calls for calm, assuring the public that investigations are ongoing. She confirmed that rapid response teams are on the ground in Migadini, working alongside surveillance officers to analyse the collected samples.
“The public is urged to remain calm as the Ministry continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide timely updates,” Muthoni said during a radio interview on Wednesday.
The Mombasa County Department of Health has also indicated that no evidence of an infectious disease has been found so far, even as investigations continue.
Beyond the Migadini cases, the PS addressed public concerns regarding Mpox, reaffirming that the Ministry of Health remains on high alert to prevent any potential spread.
“We have heightened surveillance at all ports of entry, and rapid response mechanisms are firmly in place to manage any reported cases and prevent transmission,” Muthoni said.
She also highlighted national progress in public health interventions, revealing that the typhoid vaccination campaign had reached over 16.1 million children, achieving 84 per cent coverage. A further 5.18 million children received the Measles-Rubella vaccine, representing 81 per cent of the national target.
The PS further noted that the rollout of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is gaining momentum, spearheaded by the Social Health Authority (SHA). She said digitisation of services, including verification of UHC workers across counties, is ongoing to enhance transparency, efficiency and service delivery at the community level.
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