Government pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor has confirmed that Kariobangi North MCA Joel Munuve died due to a blood clot and insufficient oxygen supply.
The revelation comes amid growing speculation surrounding the legislator’s sudden death, which occurred just days after he declared plans to initiate an impeachment process against Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
Munuve passed away on Tuesday, April 22, while receiving treatment at a private hospital along Kiambu Road. He had reportedly collapsed while attending to duties at his ward office in Nairobi before being rushed to the facility, where he was later pronounced dead.
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His passing triggered a storm of controversy and political debate, given its timing and Munuve’s outspoken nature in the county assembly.
As an independent MCA operating in a landscape dominated by party-affiliated politicians, Munuve was widely seen as a relentless watchdog and a voice for accountability in city governance.
The mystery surrounding his death prompted the involvement of a high-level investigative and forensic team. Family lawyer Danstan Omari disclosed that at least seven pathologists and over 15 forensic experts from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) were involved in the postmortem exercise to ensure transparency.
“The team will be led by Dr. Johansen Oduor, with six other pathologists representing the family, the hospital, the county assembly, the Nairobi County Government, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino,” Omari stated during a press briefing.
The initial autopsy, scheduled for April 24, was postponed to allow the participation of all interested parties, including the DCI and legal representatives. The heavy involvement of forensic officers underscores the seriousness with which the case is being treated.
Governor Sakaja, speaking on Citizen TV, urged for calm and cautioned against politicizing Munuve’s death. “Death is a very serious thing and should not be taken lightly. Munuve was passionate and firm about the issues he believed in. To allay public concern, a full investigation is necessary,” he said.
Prior to his death, Munuve had demanded accountability over key county projects, including the “Dishi na County” school feeding program. He had also written to President William Ruto and other top officials pushing for the return of Mama Margaret Kenyatta Hospital to national management due to alleged mismanagement under county control.
His critics and supporters alike acknowledged his boldness in questioning power. Now, with investigations ongoing, many await answers over what truly led to the sudden death of one of Nairobi’s most vocal ward representatives.