DCI takes over probe into death of MCA Joel Munuve, family pleads with Kenyans to stop circulating rumours

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has taken over the probe into the death of Kariobangi North MCA Joel Munuve following a request from his family. 

Additionally, his postmortem, which was to be conducted today (Thursday), has been pushed forward by a day due to the development. 

This is according to family lawyer Danstan Omari, who said that an agreement was reached with the police Homicide department to look into the matter.

“The cause of death must be ascertained by a postmortem. Legal requirements for that are as follows: the police and the family will have to put it on the record, and the police takes up the matter,” Mr Omari said.

While addressing the media outside Lee Funeral Home, the lawyer said the family opted for a postmortem to rule out rumours being spread over the cause of his death. He also urged Kenyans not to speculate until official findings are released.

"The family requests complete silence on the cause of death until tomorrow when the pathologist gives the scientific cause. This is a young family. We should not have a big extended family, both by blood and by politics. Our appeal is to not start pointing fingers at anybody." 

Meeting with DCI, MCAs and family

He said that the agreement was sealed at DCIO headquarters in Nairobi Regional Area, where the family, Nairobi County Assembly and Nairobi County Executive representatives met on Thursday morning.

“We have had a meeting with the government pathologist, family pathologist, with the DCI, with everybody at the regional headquarters, Nairobi Area, where the director homicide is.”

He said that during the meeting, the government pathologist confirmed to the DCI homicide that he would head the team of pathologists from the government side.

“The family has an option to get their private pathologist. The county assembly has an option to get their own. With mheshimiwa being a member of the political class, the law does not stop anybody from appointing a pathologist,” he said.

Police Spokesperson Michael Muchiri confirmed that the meeting with Mr Munuve's family took place. However, he said, the police have not received anything serious surrounding the death of the MCA.

“Yes, it's true the meeting happened. The postmortem should confirm to us the cause of death. There is nothing serious that has been reported so far,” Mr Muchiri said.

The MCA collapsed and died on Tuesday morning while on his way to hospital.

kbosuben@ke.nationmedia.com, nkirimi@ke.nationmedia.com