Autopsy Reveals Cause Of Death Of Kariobangi North MCA Joel Munuve

To determine where the clot originated, the team examined the lower limbs and found a vessel with the same issue, indicating the clot likely moved from there to the lungs.

Further examination revealed that the clot originated from the popliteal vein, located behind the left knee, where multiple other clots were also found, some of which appeared to be longstanding.

Pathologists also observed a scar in the chest, pointing to a chronic condition in the right lung, and collected a swab for viral analysis.

Additionally, the autopsy uncovered a swelling in the neck, which was later confirmed to be a lipoma—a non-cancerous fatty tumour.

Significantly, a large clot covered in a whitish layer was found in the pulmonary trunk, indicating it had been there for some time. This clot had severely blocked blood flow to the lungs, drastically reducing oxygen supply and impairing breathing.

The clot had extended into the lung tissue, causing a pulmonary infarction—a loss of lung tissue due to restricted blood flow—which ultimately led to Munuve’s death.

On Thursday, April 24, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) took over the probe into Munuve's sudden death, with the post-mortem initially put on hold to accommodate a specialised DCI unit, amid mounting public speculation over the circumstances of Munuve’s death.

The MCA's death sparked widespread speculation following reports that he was preparing to table an impeachment motion against Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.

Sakaja, however, warned against being drawn into speculation following Munuve's passing. He extended his condolences to Munuve’s family and called for calm amid an investigation into the MCA's death.

"I pass my deepest and sincere condolences to the people of Kariobangi North who lost a Member of County Assembly (MCA), Joel Munuve; he collapsed at home, and the autopsy is slated for tomorrow, Thursday, April 24. We have asked for a full investigation so that we understand what happened because I don't think he had a history of illness," he stated during an interview on Citizen TV on Wednesday, April 23.

"Death is a serious thing, it is not something that we can play with or politicise. He was very firm and passionate about the issues he believed in; there were times we disagreed and also times we agreed. I want to allay whatever political speculation that could be there. There is a full investigation into what happened to Munuve."

Kariobangi North MCA Joel Munuve, who defied the odds by winning as an independent in a space dominated by party politics, was known for his unwavering oversight in a county assembly often seen as compromised. His unexpected death on Tuesday stunned both colleagues and constituents.

Reports indicated that Munuve was en route to the city centre when he suddenly developed intense chest pains. Efforts to get him to a hospital along Kiambu Road in Nairobi were unsuccessful, as he died before receiving medical care.