Pulmonary embolism identified as cause of death for Kariobangi North MCA Munuve

A team of forensic experts, including pathologists and legal specialists, has conclusively identified the cause of death of Joel Munuve Kimanzi, the late Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Kariobangi North.

In a detailed postmortem examination conducted on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Lee Funeral Home, Dr. Johansen Oduor, the government’s Chief Pathologist, revealed that the MCA died from a severe oxygen deprivation resulting from a pulmonary embolism.

Speaking outside the funeral home, Oduor outlined the findings that pointed to the cause of death.

He described a series of signs observed during the external examination of the body, including cyanosis, characterised by the darkening of the lips and fingernails, indicative of a lack of sufficient oxygen in the bloodstream.

“When we examined the body, the darkened lips and nails were clear indicators that the MCA was not receiving enough oxygen at the time of death,” Oduor explained.

The expert team, which included both government and independent pathologists, conducted a thorough investigation to determine the underlying cause of the oxygen deprivation.

Upon examining the lungs, they discovered a blood clot lodged in the pulmonary artery, the vessel responsible for transporting blood from the heart to the lungs to absorb oxygen.

The presence of this clot, known as a pulmonary embolism, was identified as the fatal condition that led to Munuve’s sudden death.

“Pulmonary embolism is a condition where a clot obstructs a vital blood vessel, and in this case, the clot that had travelled from the lower limbs to the lungs severely restricted the flow of oxygen,” Oduor added.

The forensic team traced the origin of the clot to the lower leg, where they discovered a similar blockage in a blood vessel, further confirming that the clot had originated there before migrating to the lungs.

The pathologists’ report ruled out any foul play, reassuring the public that Munuve’s death was purely medical.

The autopsy found that the MCA succumbed to pulmonary thromboembolism, a condition in which a blood clot forms in a deep vein, typically in the leg, and subsequently travels to the lungs, where it blocks a major blood vessel.

“The autopsy revealed that the clot originated from the left popliteal vein, located behind the knee, where multiple clots were found,” the pathologist stated.

The report also noted that the clot had been present for some time, with some clots showing signs of long-term formation.

Further examination also uncovered scarring on Munuve’s right lung, which could indicate an earlier, chronic condition.

In addition to the pulmonary embolism, the post-mortem also identified a benign swelling in the neck, diagnosed as a lipoma, and a significant clot in the pulmonary trunk, which had developed over time, severely impeding blood flow to the lungs.

The findings come after weeks of speculation surrounding the circumstances of the MCA’s death, which occurred at a hospital in Kiambu on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja had previously addressed these rumours, urging the public to await the official post-mortem results.

The forensic report has now definitively confirmed that the death was a result of medical complications rather than foul play.

Oduor emphasized that while the post-mortem had offered a clear explanation of the cause of death, it had also highlighted the complexities of the condition. Pulmonary embolism, though often sudden and fatal, can sometimes develop silently over time, complicating early diagnosis and intervention.

What is pulmonary embolism?

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when a blood clot, or thrombus, travels to the lungs and blocks one of the pulmonary arteries.

These arteries are responsible for carrying blood from the heart to the lungs, where it is oxygenated.

When a clot obstructs the blood flow to the lungs, it severely disrupts the body’s ability to receive adequate oxygen, leading to respiratory distress and, if not treated promptly, potentially fatal consequences.

In most cases, the clot originates from deep veins in the legs—a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT)—and then travels through the bloodstream to the lungs.

The symptoms of pulmonary embolism can vary widely depending on the size and location of the clot.

Common signs include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, rapid heart rate, and coughing up blood. While some people experience mild or no symptoms at all, others may go into shock or collapse.

Pulmonary embolism can develop quickly, and its effects on the lungs and heart can be catastrophic, often leading to sudden death if the clot is large enough to obstruct major blood vessels.

Treatment typically involves blood thinners to prevent further clotting, and in severe cases, surgery or clot-dissolving drugs may be required to remove the obstruction [sic].