Postmortem: Pathologist Johansen Oduor Discloses Cause of Death for Kariobangi North MCA Joel Munuve: Blood Clot and Hypoxia
Kariobangi North Member of County Assembly (MCA) Joel Munuve died as a result of a blood clot and insufficient oxygen supply, a postmortem report conducted by government pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor confirmed.
Munuve passed away on Tuesday, April 22, while undergoing treatment at a private hospital along Kiambu Road. He had collapsed earlier that day while at his ward office in Nairobi, where he was conducting official duties. He was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The unexpected death of the legislator drew widespread attention and concern, particularly because it occurred only days after he publicly declared his intention to begin collecting signatures for the impeachment of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja. The timing of his death led to intense speculation from both the public and political circles.
Munuve had been elected as an independent candidate, a rare feat in Nairobi’s highly polarized political environment. He earned a reputation as a vocal and principled legislator, often challenging the county executive and demanding transparency and accountability in governance. He was widely respected for his courage in speaking out on issues many others avoided.
In the wake of his death, the family engaged lawyer Danstan Omari, who announced that a total of seven pathologists would be involved in the postmortem examination. The inclusion of multiple forensic experts was necessitated by the controversial nature of Munuve’s passing and the need to ensure credibility and transparency in the investigation.
Omari further revealed that more than 15 forensic officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had been assigned to the case. The postmortem, originally scheduled for Thursday, April 24, was postponed to allow the participation of all interested parties, including representatives from the Nairobi County Government and other key stakeholders.
“The team was led by government pathologist Johansen Oduor, alongside six other pathologists appointed by various parties, including the family, the hospital where Munuve was pronounced dead, the Nairobi County Assembly, and Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino,” Omari stated during a press conference.
Governor Johnson Sakaja, in a televised interview aired on Citizen TV on the evening of April 24, cautioned against politicizing Munuve’s death. While acknowledging the MCA’s firm stance on public issues, he emphasized the importance of allowing investigators to carry out their work without interference.
“Death is a serious matter, and it should never be politicized,” Sakaja said. “Joel Munuve was passionate and principled. To avoid fueling unnecessary speculation, we must await the results of a thorough investigation.”
Munuve had recently raised questions concerning the “Dishi na County” school feeding program, seeking greater oversight and transparency in its implementation. He also called for the national government to reclaim control of Mama Margaret Kenyatta Hospital, citing deteriorating service delivery at the facility. In support of this cause, he wrote formal appeals to President William Ruto, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, and Governor Sakaja.
In the days following his death, tributes poured in from political leaders, colleagues, constituents, and civil society groups. Many remembered him as a committed public servant who stood firmly for what he believed was right, even in the face of political pressure.
The postmortem findings provided initial clarity on the medical cause of death. However, investigations by the DCI were ongoing, as authorities sought to determine whether there were any underlying factors that contributed to Munuve’s collapse and subsequent death.
Plans for his burial were underway, with the family expected to announce funeral arrangements in due course. His death marked a significant loss for the Nairobi County Assembly and the residents of Kariobangi North, who had come to rely on his fearless representation and outspoken advocacy.
Joel Munuve was remembered not only for his political bravery but also for his unwavering dedication to the people he served. His passing left a void in local leadership and reignited conversations around the safety, transparency, and accountability within the country’s political environment.
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Postmortem: Pathologist Johansen Oduor Discloses Cause of Death for Kariobangi North MCA Joel Munuve: Blood Clot and Hypoxia
