The sudden death of Kariobangi North Member of County Assembly (MCA) Joel Munuve Kimanzi has been attributed to a blood clot in the pulmonary artery, according to findings from a postmortem examination conducted at the Lee Funeral Home on Friday.
The postmortem was performed by Chief Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor, alongside a team of six other experts.
Their comprehensive examination confirmed that Hon. Munuve succumbed to a pulmonary embolism a blockage in the artery that carries blood from the heart to the lungs which can lead to rapid and fatal oxygen deprivation.
“An external examination showed signs that the late MCA was experiencing oxygen deficiency before his death. His lips and fingernails appeared darkened, which is a telltale sign of hypoxia,” said Dr. Oduor during a media briefing after the autopsy.
Dr. Oduor further elaborated on the internal findings: “When we opened the body, the main findings were in the lungs. There is a blood vessel called the pulmonary artery, which passes blood from the heart to the lungs to get oxygen. We found a very large clot firmly lodged in this vessel, and that can cause sudden death.”
The pathologists noted that while the cause of death has been identified, additional samples were collected for further analysis to rule out any underlying conditions or contributing factors that may have caused the clot.
Hon. Kimanzi passed away on the morning of April 22, 2025, while receiving treatment at AAR Hospital along Kiambu Road.
His death sent shockwaves across Nairobi and beyond, with leaders and residents alike mourning the loss of a dedicated public servant.
The late MCA was known for his grassroots leadership, advocacy for community development, and passionate representation of Kariobangi North Ward.
In an official statement to the press, lawyer Danstan Omari representing the victims family revealed that the controversy that surrounded the MCA’s death necessitated the high number of pathologists, with over 15 forensic officers from the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
“The sudden death of the MCA is questionabke that need to be approached in a criminal perspective. Munuve was a dedicated leader, a tireless servant of the people and a passionate voice in the assembly,” Omari said
