Govt pathologist yet to release probe on Mutula death

By MARTIN MUTUA and DANIEL NZIA

KENYA: Investigators probing the death of former Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo continue to keep their findings secret more than 100 days after his sudden demise.

Not even Mutula’s family has heard from the Kenya Police investigators or state pathologist.

A team led by Chief Government Pathologist Johannsen Oduor had promised a report on the cause of the senator’s death in eight to ten weeks.

The team said it is awaiting the results of a barrage of toxicological tests.

When contacted days ago, Dr Oduor promised to talk to The Standard On Saturday within two hours of our first call. However, when reached again later, he disconnected the calls.

Ndegwa Muhoro, the head of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, confirmed that a toxicology report from the Government Chemist had been shared with Mr Oduor.

Mutula’s family says it has been kept in the dark. The new Makueni Senator, Mutula Kilonzo Jnr, said they had not received any official communication from the Chief Government Pathologist. He said the family is “not worried at all” by the delay.

“The matter is in the hands of qualified people,” said Mutula Jnr. “We are waiting for their response as soon as they are ready with the report.”

He said the family would make the report public once it is ready.

Mutula’s widow Nduku Kilonzo also said she was yet to be briefed on the investigation. Speaking to The Standard On Saturday from Australia where she is on a visit, Nduku expressed hope she may be in a position to comment fully on the matter once she returns.

Investigations into Mutula’s death took a new turn recently after traces of a second prescription medication, ephedrine hydrochloride, were discovered in blood samples.