Pathologists rule out foul play in death of Kariobangi North MCA Joel Munuve

Independent and government pathologists at Lee Funeral Home have ruled out foul play in the death of Kariobangi Member of County Assembly (MCA) Joel Munuve, following a joint post-mortem examination.

The pathologists conclusively determined that Munuve died from a pulmonary thromboembolism, a blood clot that formed in the deep veins of his left leg and travelled to his lungs, fatally blocking a major blood vessel.

“As a result of my examination, I formed the opinion that the cause of death was Pulmonary Thromboembolism due to Left Popliteal Vein Deep Vein Thrombosis. A blood clot (thrombus) travelled to the lungs and blocked a blood vessel, leading to death,” the autopsy report stated.

Further analysis showed that the clot originated from the popliteal vein, located behind the knee in the left leg, where several other clots were also found, some of which appeared to have been present for a prolonged period.

In addition to the primary findings, the pathologists noted a scar in the chest, indicating a chronic condition in the right lung. A swab was also collected for viral profiling.

The autopsy further revealed a swelling in the neck, later identified as a lipoma—a benign fatty growth.

Notably, a large clot covered with a whitish layer was discovered in the pulmonary trunk, suggesting it had been present for some time. This clot was determined to have significantly obstructed blood flow to the lungs, severely impairing oxygenation and breathing.

The clot had extended into the lungs, resulting in a pulmonary infarction — the death of lung tissue due to lack of blood supply — ultimately leading to Munuve’s death.

Munuve, who was elected on an independent ticket in the 2022 general election, passed away while receiving treatment at a hospital on Kiambu Road on April 22, 2025.